When it comes to modern late-night television, Stephen Colbert is one of the first names that comes to mind. The veteran host added another milestone to his celebrated career after The Late Show with Stephen Colbert earned a nomination for Outstanding Variety Series at the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards. The recognition came after CBS announced the show's cancellation, citing financial reasons and the broader challenges facing the late-night television industry. Despite its conclusion, the nomination further cements The Late Show's enduring legacy.

Even as The Late Show signed off, Colbert's work continues to earn recognition from the Television Academy. 

Stephen Colbert has received a nomination at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Variety Series, weeks after CBS announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would come to an end, Variety announced. The nomination recognizes the show's continued critical acclaim despite its impending conclusion. Colbert's program joins The Daily Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, and Saturday Night Live in the competitive category. 

Colbert enters this year's Emmy race as the defending winner in the late-night category. The Late Show won Outstanding Talk Series at the previous Emmys, making Colbert one of the strongest contenders under the newly merged Outstanding Variety Series category. The latest nomination extends the show's awards momentum even as it approaches its final chapter, with Colbert once again competing against several of the biggest names in late-night television. 

Colbert faces stiff competition from long-time Emmy favorite John Oliver. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver has been one of the Television Academy's most decorated late-night programs, winning multiple Emmys across the former talk and scripted variety categories. Oliver's consistent success makes him one of the strongest contenders in the newly merged Outstanding Variety Series race, setting up another high-profile contest among late-night television's biggest names.

Stephen Colbert Opens Final 'Late Show' by Revisiting 1800 Episode-Old Promise He Made on First Night

The nomination comes against the backdrop of a landmark decision that will bring one of television's longest-running late-night franchises to an end. 

CBS concluded The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in May 2026 as part of a broader response to the financial challenges facing late-night television. The network stressed that the decision reflected changing economics in the industry, with traditional broadcast programs facing declining advertising revenue and shifting audience habits. CBS also confirmed that Colbert would not be replaced, bringing the entire Late Show franchise to a close after more than three decades on air. 

In spite of the announcement about the cancellation, The Late Show is still considered one of the best-performing shows in the late-night time slots of broadcast television under Colbert's leadership. The host held the franchise since 2015, when he took his place from David Letterman and kept The Late Show among the ratings leaders for several seasons. This way, the cancellation becomes the end of a franchise started in 1993 and considered one of the most prominent names in American late-night TV. 

Stephen Colbert's latest Emmy nomination underscores the lasting impact of The Late Show even after its final broadcast. Entering the race as the defending winner, he finds himself competing against some of late-night television's biggest names. Whether or not the show adds another Emmy to its legacy, the nomination serves as a fitting tribute to Colbert's decade-long tenure and The Late Show's enduring influence on the late-night landscape.

Stephen Colbert’s 'Late Show' Ends Run With Strong Ratings Boost

Could Stephen Colbert's latest Emmy nomination serve as a fitting farewell to The Late Show? Let us know in the comments.