Stephen Colbert Celebrates First Emmy Win for The Late Show — and Jokes “Donald Trump Doesn’t Have One”

Stephen Colbert turned his Tuesday night broadcast into a victory lap after The Late Show scored its first-ever Emmy for Outstanding Talk Series at the 2025 Emmy Awards. Holding the golden trophy aloft as the studio audience erupted into cheers and chants of “Stephen, Stephen,” Colbert opened the new episode by reveling in the win — with his signature mix of heartfelt gratitude and sharp-edged humor.

“On Sunday night we won our first Emmy for Outstanding Talk Series,” Colbert announced, basking in the applause. “Man, I’m telling you, we should have gotten canceled years ago. This award belongs to all 200 of the incredibly hard-working people who make this show.”

The late-night veteran didn’t waste the moment. He rattled off thanks to the writers, editors, stagehands, crew, and production staff who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, making it clear he views the Emmy as a collective triumph rather than a personal accolade. Colbert also turned to the audience, crediting them as the ultimate reason the show exists. “This belongs to you too,” he said, before flashing a mischievous grin. “But I’m going to keep it. And if anyone so much as touches it, I will jab your eyes out with the wings right there.”

Never one to let a punchline go to waste, Colbert joked further about the Emmy ceremony itself, thanking the Academy “for the flattering lighting that made me look so much younger on Sunday night.” He even worked in a gag about fellow winner Owen Cooper, who received an award for his role in Adolescence.

Of course, Colbert couldn’t resist turning the spotlight toward one of his favorite political targets. After acknowledging his fellow nominees, including Jon Stewart and Jimmy Kimmel, Colbert slyly noted: “Speaking of Emmys, Donald Trump doesn’t have one.” The jab was classic Colbert — sharp, humorous, and aimed squarely at the man who has loomed large over his late-night monologues for nearly a decade.

The Emmy victory was particularly meaningful for The Late Show. Despite being one of the most-watched late-night programs during Colbert’s tenure, the series had never before taken home the top prize for Outstanding Talk Series. Colbert used his acceptance speech on Sunday to reflect on the show’s place in the late-night tradition. “Thank you for this honor. I want to thank CBS for giving us the privilege to be part of the late-night tradition, which I hope continues long after we’re no longer doing this show,” he said from the stage. He again highlighted his team, calling them “200 incredible professionals” and adding, “You are the pros, and I’m so proud to be one of you. We gotta thank the people who supported us the last 20 years.”

The timing of the award adds even more poignancy. In July, CBS announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would end in May 2026, citing financial challenges at the network. While CBS executives framed the decision as a business move, industry insiders and fans speculated that politics may have played a role. Paramount, CBS’s parent company, was in the middle of a merger with Skydance Media, and both companies were awaiting FCC approval. Ending Colbert’s show, some argued, was a way to ease political friction, particularly with Trump allies. The network also settled a lawsuit from Trump, who had accused 60 Minutes of election interference for allegedly editing an interview with Kamala Harris.

For many in Hollywood, the cancellation felt like a blow not just to Colbert but to late-night television itself. The host, who took over from David Letterman in 2015, helped reshape the genre with a blend of biting political satire and personal warmth. His relentless critiques of Donald Trump turned him into a cultural figurehead during a turbulent political era, while his softer, more thoughtful interviews gave The Late Show a personality distinct from its rivals.

It’s no surprise, then, that Colbert’s Emmy win has been framed as something of a victory lap, a recognition of his contributions just as the curtain begins to lower. The win sparked a wave of support across the entertainment industry. Fellow late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, for instance, even used his Emmy “For Your Consideration” campaign ad earlier this year to show solidarity, declaring, “I’m voting for Stephen.”

The audience ovation Tuesday night made clear that fans are eager to celebrate Colbert while they still can. His mixture of self-deprecation, gratitude, and sly political jabs was on full display, encapsulating the qualities that made The Late Show both a ratings powerhouse and a cultural touchstone.

The road ahead for Colbert remains uncertain. With his show’s end already scheduled, many are wondering what his next chapter will look like. Whether he continues in television, pivots to streaming, or pursues entirely new creative ventures, the Emmy win provides a fitting capstone to a remarkable run.

For now, though, Colbert is content to revel in the moment — Emmy in hand, jokes at the ready, and a reminder to his audience that sometimes comedy can carry more weight than politics. And as he cheekily reminded viewers, no matter what else happens, “Donald Trump doesn’t have one.”