Charleston SC, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Stephen Colbert’s ‘The Late Show’ achieved a historic milestone by winning its first Emmy for outstanding directing for a variety series, amidst the show’s controversial cancellation by CBS. Despite over 30 nominations and being the highest-rated late-night program, CBS’s decision to cancel the show has attracted criticism, particularly following Colbert’s critique of the network’s dealings with former President Trump. With local activists rallying for its continuance, the show’s legacy remains under scrutiny as it prepares for its final episode in May 2026.
Charleston, South Carolina — Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show” Wins First Emmy Amid Cancellation Controversy
On Sunday, September 7, 2023, Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show” celebrated a significant milestone by winning its first Creative Arts Emmy Award for outstanding directing for a variety series. This achievement marks a historic moment for the show, which has been nominated for over 30 Emmys since its premiere in 2015.
The winning episode, which contributed to this honor, featured a star-studded lineup including actors David Oyelowo, Finn Wolfhard, and Alan Cumming, along with a musical performance by the popular rock band OK Go. Despite this victory, the celebration is overshadowed by the recent announcement from CBS regarding the show’s cancellation.
Cancellation Announcement and Response
CBS made headlines in July when it announced the cancellation of “The Late Show,” with the final episode scheduled to air in May 2026. The decision to cancel the beloved program was described by CBS as a financially motivated one, despite the fact that “The Late Show” stands as the highest-rated late-night program in its time slot.
The timing of the cancellation has raised eyebrows, particularly as it came just three days after Colbert publicly criticized the network for settling a lawsuit with former President Donald Trump for $16 million, implying that the settlement was an attempt to manipulate public perception. Local comedians in Charleston expressed their surprise over the cancellation, given Colbert’s reputation for challenging corporate power.
Concerns Over Corporate Influence
Adding fuel to the speculation regarding the cancellation’s motives, local activists have rallied against it. The co-founders of Ben & Jerry’s are backing a campaign to save the show, pledging to deliver 29,000 signatures to Paramount headquarters as part of their effort. The cancellation announcement followed a series of events in which the Federal Communications Commission approved an $8.4 billion merger between CBS’s parent company, Paramount, and Skydance Media, leading some to question the influence of corporate interests on the programming decisions at CBS.
The Legacy of Colbert
Stephen Colbert, a Charleston native, born in Washington, D.C., and raised on James Island, has previously won 10 Emmys throughout his career across various projects. His first Emmy win for “The Late Show” is a notable achievement that underscores his contributions to late-night television.
In addition to the Creative Arts Emmy Award, “The Late Show” is also nominated for Outstanding Talk Series at the main Emmy ceremony scheduled for September 14, 2023, further demonstrating its impact and significance in the late-night landscape.
Conclusion
As “The Late Show” prepares to conclude its run in 2026, many fans and supporters are reflecting on the show’s legacy and its critical acclaim, while grappling with the implications of corporate decisions on entertainment programming. The coming weeks, with the main Emmy ceremony approaching, will likely provide further context to the show’s performance and audience reception during its remaining time on air.
FAQ
What Emmy did Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show” win?
Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show” won the Creative Arts Emmy Award for outstanding directing for a variety series.
When is the final episode of “The Late Show” scheduled to air?
The final episode of “The Late Show” is scheduled to air in May 2026.
Why was “The Late Show” canceled?
CBS stated that the cancellation was financially motivated, despite “The Late Show” being the highest-rated program in its time slot.
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show” Wins First Emmy
- Post and Courier: The Late Show Wins Emmy
- ABC News 4: Stephen Colbert’s Emmy Win and Cancellation
- Biography: Stephen Colbert
- Charleston City Paper: Colbert Mocks CBS Cancellation
- Wikipedia: Stephen Colbert
- Google Search: Stephen Colbert
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Stephen Colbert
- Google News: Stephen Colbert
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
