The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has received nine nominations for the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards, the highest number the program has earned during Colbert's 11-year tenure as host. The Television Academy announced the nominations just weeks after CBS aired the series finale on May 21, ending one of American television's longest-running late night franchises.
Record-Breaking Recognition
The nine nominations represent a significant jump from previous years. Before 2026, the show's best Emmy performance came between 2020 and 2022, when it earned five nominations in each awards season. This year's tally includes recognition in categories such as Outstanding Variety Series, writing, directing, production design, technical direction and camerawork, lighting design, sound mixing, picture editing, and music direction.
The farewell season carried extra attention due to the circumstances surrounding the show's conclusion. CBS announced that the decision to end The Late Show was based on financial considerations amid a challenging environment for late night television. The announcement prompted widespread discussion because the program remained a competitive ratings performer and arrived during Paramount's ongoing merger process with Skydance.
A New Voting System
This year's Emmy competition introduces a revised voting system for Outstanding Variety Series. Instead of programs competing directly against one another, voters determine whether each nominee individually deserves an Emmy. Any program receiving at least 90% approval from voters wins the award, meaning multiple winners are possible if several nominees clear the required threshold. The Late Show will compete alongside Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Daily Show, and Saturday Night Live under the updated format.
A Defining Political Comedy Platform
Throughout his tenure, Colbert transformed The Late Show into one of television's defining political comedy platforms. His nightly monologues frequently focused on current events and American politics, making him one of the most recognizable voices in late night entertainment. That editorial approach also attracted criticism from political opponents, particularly during the administration of President Donald Trump, further raising the show's public profile.
Colbert's nine nominations provide a fitting conclusion to an era that began in 2015, when he succeeded David Letterman as host. Together, Letterman and Colbert kept the Late Show franchise on air for 33 consecutive years, making it one of the defining institutions of American late night television. Final round Emmy voting is scheduled for August before winners are announced during the Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony on September 14.
