Stephen Colbert’s Late Show finally won its first Emmy for Outstanding Talk Series just months after CBS announced the show will end in 2026, prompting an emotional response from both the host and the network as fans celebrated the long-overdue recognition while mourning the approaching farewell.

The 2025 Emmy Awards brought both triumph and bittersweet emotion when The Late Show with Stephen Colbert finally won its first-ever Emmy for Outstanding Talk Series at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

The victory, hailed as long overdue by critics and fans alike, comes just months after CBS announced that the late-night staple will end in May 2026.

Now, in the wake of Colbert’s historic win, CBS has spoken out publicly, underscoring the network’s pride in its host and offering a glimpse into how the Emmy marks a powerful farewell chapter.

When Colbert’s name was announced, the room erupted in thunderous applause, with celebrities, fans, and peers alike joining in a chorus of “Stephen! Stephen!” as the late-night star walked to the stage surrounded by his crew.

Holding the statuette with visible emotion, Colbert balanced humor and sincerity in a speech that immediately became one of the evening’s defining moments.

“Honestly, I thought CBS might cancel us before the Academy ever noticed us,” he joked, before growing serious.

“This belongs to every writer, producer, and crew member who has walked into the Ed Sullivan Theater and made magic happen.

I am so proud of this family.”

Shortly after the ceremony, CBS executives released a rare and heartfelt statement praising Colbert and his team, acknowledging both the magnitude of the win and the poignancy of the timing.

“Stephen Colbert and The Late Show have been a cornerstone of CBS for nearly a decade,” the statement read.

“This Emmy is more than an award—it’s recognition of a voice that has shaped our culture, comforted audiences during difficult times, and brought joy night after night.

As the show prepares to close in May 2026, this win is a perfect tribute to everything Stephen and his team have accomplished.”

The statement struck a chord, particularly because CBS has faced criticism since announcing the show’s end in July.

The network positioned the decision as a “mutual choice” to allow Colbert to move into a new creative chapter, but many fans saw it as an unwelcome disruption.

With the Emmy now in hand, CBS’s public acknowledgment feels like both a celebration and a reassurance to viewers that the network understands the importance of Colbert’s legacy.

Backstage, Colbert himself reflected on the timing of the award.

“You don’t think about trophies when you’re in the grind of doing 200 shows a year,” he told reporters.

“You think about connecting with people, about making someone laugh on a hard day, or maybe making them feel a little less alone.

But to win this now—it feels like a blessing and a goodbye all rolled into one.”

Industry peers were quick to echo CBS’s praise.

Jimmy Fallon, who was spotted leading applause in the audience, later said, “Stephen changed late night.

This win isn’t just overdue—it’s historic.”

Seth Meyers tweeted, “A giant finally gets his crown.

Congrats to the Late Show team!” Jon Stewart, Colbert’s longtime mentor, added: “Stephen has always been the conscience of comedy.

This Emmy was inevitable—it just took longer than it should have.”

The win also marks a significant shift in the Emmy landscape.

For years, John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight had dominated the Outstanding Talk Series category, often leaving Colbert on the sidelines despite his show’s consistent cultural relevance.

Critics now argue that the recognition not only validates Colbert’s work but also highlights the evolution of late-night television itself, where a balance of political satire, heartfelt commentary, and humor has become increasingly vital.

Fans outside the ceremony shared their emotions on social media, many calling the Emmy a “perfect send-off” for a host who helped guide them through some of the most turbulent years in recent memory.

Others lamented that the award had not come sooner, with one viewer posting, “We’ve been waiting nine years for this moment, and now that it’s here, it feels like saying goodbye at the same time.”

For CBS, the Emmy provides an unexpected boost as The Late Show heads into its final season.

According to insiders, the network plans to heavily promote the show’s last episodes as a celebration of Colbert’s legacy, with rumors already circulating about high-profile guests and potential reunions.

While the network has not yet announced who will succeed Colbert in the coveted 11:30 p.m.slot, speculation has been intense, with some predicting CBS may opt for a dramatic reinvention of its late-night lineup altogether.

For now, however, the focus remains squarely on Colbert and his team.

The Emmy is not only a recognition of years of work but also a symbol of the end of an era.

As the chants of “Stephen! Stephen!” echoed long after the ceremony ended, one thing became clear: this was not just a victory for Colbert, but a collective acknowledgment of the show’s impact on culture, comedy, and the lives of millions of viewers.

CBS’s statement captured the mood best: “This win is not an ending—it’s a celebration.

Stephen Colbert will always be part of the CBS family, and his Emmy is a legacy that will live long after the final curtain call.”

With less than a year left before The Late Show signs off, that legacy has never felt more secure.