Stephen Colbert gets standing ovation and chants at Emmys after CBS axe

Stephen Colbert turned the 2025 Emmy Awards into an emotional night when he walked on stage to present an award, only months after CBS abruptly cancelled The Late Show. The audience rose to its feet as Colbert appeared, chanting his name and applauding for so long that the moment became one of the evening’s highlights. The comic, known for his sharp wit and political humour, responded in true Colbert fashion, joking if anyone was hiring before theatrically handing a résumé to Harrison Ford for Steven Spielberg.

The energy only grew later in the evening when The Late Show with Stephen Colbert claimed the Emmy for outstanding talk series. Holding the award, Colbert reflected on the show’s decade-long run, telling the audience that he once dreamed of creating a comedy show about love but often found himself exploring themes of loss. He admitted that the end of his late-night tenure made those themes more real than ever, yet he expressed gratitude to CBS for letting him be part of the late-night legacy, which will conclude in 2026.

In a powerful speech, Colbert declared, “I have never loved my country more desperately. God bless America. Stay strong, be brave.” He then pumped his fist in the air with his first Primetime Emmy win for the series, clearly moved by the crowd’s enthusiasm.

The moment carried political undertones as well. Colbert’s long-running feud with President Donald Trump resurfaced when the former president posted on Truth Social celebrating the show’s cancellation, mocking Colbert’s talent and ratings. The tension only amplified the audience’s show of support, turning Colbert’s Emmy appearance into a statement of resilience.

After years of nominations, Colbert finally took home the Primetime Emmy for his late-night work, adding to his already crowded shelf of awards including Grammys, Peabodys, and guild honours. With The Late Show set to wrap next year, his Emmy triumph stands as a symbolic victory for both Colbert and his loyal fans.