Colbert Flashes Emmy, Fires Jab at Trump on ‘Late Show’

Lead Stephen Colbert opened the September 17 episode of The Late Show by parading his new Emmy and spotlighting fellow nominees, then delivered a pointed quip about Donald Trump’s zero wins, underscoring his triumph amid the show’s recent cancellation.

Nut Graf Colbert’s celebratory monologue not only marked his first Emmy for Outstanding Talk Series but also reinforced his status as late-night’s leading satirist. By publicly lauding peers Jimmy Kimmel and Jon Stewart and ribbing Trump, Colbert emphasized camaraderie in the comedy community and seized a moment of levity in a politically charged media landscape.

Main Part Colbert began the episode in the Ed Sullivan Theater, declaring, “Welcome to the Emmy-winning Late Show!” as the live audience erupted in applause. He then showcased the golden statue, thanking the Television Academy and praising the 200-member staff whose efforts secured the win.

Turning to his fellow hosts, Colbert expressed gratitude to Kimmel and Stewart “for their gracious support and for literally campaigning on my behalf,” referencing Jimmy Kimmel’s billboard urging Emmy voters to choose Colbert over Kimmel’s own show.

Colbert next targeted Trump’s Emmy drought, wryly observing, “Speaking of awards, I hear someone’s still waiting on theirs-looking at you, Mr. President.” The jab drew cheers, aligning with Colbert’s long-running critique of the former president’s media ambitions.

The host then previewed that tonight’s guests would include filmmaker Ron Howard, promoting his upcoming documentary, and actor Gary Oldman, who joined Colbert for a special “Colbert Questionert” segment.

Colbert closed the segment by reaffirming his affection for late-night television’s role in public discourse, quipping, “They may cancel our show, but they’ll never cancel our jokes-or our Emmy!”