New York City, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Stephen Colbert’s ‘The Late Show’ achieved a milestone by winning its first Emmy award for outstanding directing for a variety series, just weeks after CBS announced the show’s cancellation. The Emmy win highlights the show’s impressive run and the talented lineup featured in the winning episode. However, the cancellation, tied to CBS’s merger plans, has sparked debate and a grassroots movement to save the show. As Colbert’s remarks about a sensitive corporate issue reverberate through the entertainment landscape, the public awaits the show’s final air date.
New York City – Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show” celebrated a significant achievement on September 7, 2025, by winning its first-ever Emmy award for outstanding directing for a variety series at the Creative Arts Emmys. This accolade comes just weeks after CBS announced the show’s cancellation, which will take effect in May 2026.
The winning episode featured a diverse lineup of talent, including actors David Oyelowo, Finn Wolfhard, and Alan Cumming, alongside a performance by the popular rock band OK Go. Despite its success, including an extensive five-season run, “The Late Show” is set to conclude after CBS’s decision, which has sparked significant debate among viewers and the entertainment industry.
“The Late Show” first premiered in 2015 and has been a fixture of late-night television, garnering at least 30 Emmy nominations throughout its airing period. Colbert, who hails from Charleston, is no stranger to accolades, having previously won 10 Emmys during his career across various projects. The upcoming Emmy ceremony on September 14, 2025, also recognizes “The Late Show” in the main category of talk series, indicating its continued impact even as the end approaches.
The decision to cancel the show was publicly announced by CBS in July 2025, a move that coincided with a larger corporate strategy. CBS’s parent company, Paramount, is currently pursuing an $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media, a situation that has raised questions about the motivations behind the show’s cancellation. Notably, this announcement came just three days after Colbert openly criticized CBS regarding a $16 million settlement with former President Donald Trump over footage from a “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris, which he described as a “big fat bribe.”
Following Colbert’s remarks about the settlement, many suspect that his comments and the subsequent cancellation of the show may be interconnected, with concerns related to the anticipated merger being a potential underlying factor. In light of the cancellation, there has been a notable grassroots movement in Charleston aimed at saving “The Late Show,” leading to a campaign that collected over 29,000 signatures advocating for the show’s continuation. However, CBS maintains that the decision was purely financial and not influenced by the show’s content or performance, despite “The Late Show” being the top-rated late-night program in its timeslot.
Amidst this controversy and public outcry, regulators from the Federal Communications Commission have greenlighted Paramount’s merger with Skydance. As the show prepares for its scheduled finale in May 2026, the entertainment landscape awaits the outcome of its next Emmy award nomination and any potential impact from this turbulent backdrop.
FAQs
When did “The Late Show” win its first Emmy?
“The Late Show” won its first Emmy award on September 7, 2025, in the category of outstanding directing for a variety series.
Why was “The Late Show” canceled?
CBS announced the cancellation of “The Late Show” as part of a financial decision, while pursuing an $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media, despite the show being the top-rated late-night program in its timeslot.
Who is Stephen Colbert?
Stephen Colbert is a comedian and television host from Charleston known for his work on “The Late Show,” as well as various comedy projects, and has won multiple Emmy awards throughout his career, including a total of 10 before this recent Emmy win.
What are the implications of CBS’s decision on the merger with Skydance Media?
The cancellation of “The Late Show” amid CBS’s merger proceedings has raised concerns about potential influences on programming decisions in light of corporate strategies and financial considerations.
Highlights of “The Late Show”
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date | 2015 |
| First Emmy Win | September 7, 2025 |
| Total Emmy Nominations | 30+ |
| Number of Emmys Won by Colbert | 10 (prior to this win) |
| Show Cancellation Announcement | July 2025 |
| Final Air Date | May 2026 |
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Additional Resources
- WPDE News
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