Stephen Colbert lands record Emmy haul after ‘The Late Show’ exit

Stephen Colbert has received the biggest Emmy recognition of his career just weeks after bringing The Late Show to an emotional close, giving the veteran television host one final milestone as his celebrated late night run officially comes to an end.

The Television Academy announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert earned nine nominations for the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards, marking the highest number of nominations the programme has received during Colbert's 11 years as host. The achievement arrives after CBS aired the series finale on May 21, ending one of American television's longest running late night franchises.

The impressive tally represents 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, however, the farewell season reached a new high, giving Colbert his strongest awards showing just after leaving the Ed Sullivan Theater.

Among the nominations is Outstanding Variety Series, a category that underwent a major restructuring by the Television Academy. The programme is also recognised for writing, directing, production design, technical direction and camerawork, lighting design, sound mixing, picture editing and music direction, reflecting broad recognition across creative and technical departments.

The final season carried extra attention because of 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 programme remained a competitive ratings performer and arrived during Paramount's ongoing merger process with Skydance.

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 recognisable 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.

This year's Emmy competition also introduces a revised voting system for Outstanding Variety Series. Instead of programmes competing directly against one another, voters determine whether each nominee individually deserves an Emmy. Any programme 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.

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.