Late Show with Stephen Colbert Wins Emmy, Makes History

The **Late Show** is a landmark American late-night talk show franchise that aired on CBS from August 30, 1993, to its announced conclusion in May 2026. It was created and initially hosted by **David Letterman**, who transitioned from NBC’s *Late Night with David Letterman* to CBS, launching the franchise with a fresh, often irreverent and innovative approach to late-night television. Letterman’s tenure lasted 22 years, during which the show earned multiple Emmy Awards and became known for its blend of humor, celebrity interviews, and musical performances, hosted from the iconic Ed Sullivan Theater in Manhattan[1][2][3]. Letterman’s style was a mix of good-natured humor and sharp wit, occasionally antagonistic, which contributed to memorable feuds with celebrities like Cher and Madonna but was also marked by genuine sincerity linked to his Midwestern roots. Despite initial ratings success, the show’s audience gradually aged and shrank, especially as competitors like *The Tonight Show* and *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* attracted younger viewers[2][3]. In 2015, **Stephen Colbert** succeeded Letterman as host. Colbert brought his background from *The Colbert Report* and *The Daily Show*, known for satirical news and political comedy, to the franchise, aiming to rejuvenate it with sharper political and cultural satire. His version continued broadcasting from the Ed Sullivan Theater and aired four nights a week, featuring a house band led by Jon Batiste and a mix of celebrity guests and topical humor. Colbert’s *Late Show* won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards and maintained a solid following, particularly among younger adults[3][5][8]. CBS announced in mid-2025 that the *Late Show* franchise would end in May 2026, marking the close of a significant era in American late-night television that shaped the format and influenced generations of comedians and viewers[1][2]. The show's legacy includes its innovative

**The Daily Show** is a pioneering American late-night talk and news satire television program that debuted on Comedy Central on July 22, 1996[1][2][3]. Created by comedians Lizz Winstead and Madeleine Smithberg, it initially focused on pop culture under its first host, Craig Kilborn, who led the show until late 1998[1][3]. The original format involved comedic monologues, celebrity interviews, and satirical segments like “Five Questions” and “Your Moment of Zen”[1]. The show's defining transformation came when Jon Stewart took over as host in January 1999, shifting the focus sharply toward political satire and media critique[1][2][3]. Stewart's tenure, which lasted until August 2015, elevated *The Daily Show* from a simple parody of news programs to a vital platform offering incisive political commentary, blending humor with serious discourse. One of Stewart’s most notable moments was his heartfelt monologue following the 9/11 attacks, which showcased his ability to balance comedy with sincere reflection and helped cement the show’s cultural significance[4]. Under Stewart, *The Daily Show* became a launching pad for many prominent comedians and correspondents, including Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, John Oliver, and Larry Wilmore, who contributed to its sharp, influential voice in American media[2][3]. The program has won 26 Primetime Emmy Awards, underscoring its impact and quality[3]. After Stewart’s departure, South African comedian Trevor Noah hosted the show from 2015 until December 2022, continuing its legacy of timely satire while expanding its global perspective[3]. The current hosting team includes correspondents such as Ronny Chieng, Michael Kosta, and Jordan Klepper, maintaining the show’s format of blending news parody with insightful analysis[3][8]. Today, *The Daily Show* remains Comedy Central’s longest-running program and a significant cultural institutio

**The Colbert Report** was not an organization but a satirical comedy news program that aired on Comedy Central from October 17, 2005, to December 18, 2014. Created and hosted by Stephen Colbert, the show parodied cable news programs, particularly those hosted by conservative pundits like Bill O'Reilly. Colbert portrayed an exaggerated version of a right-wing conservative, using humor to critique politics and society. ### History and Key Achievements - **Launch and Reception**: The show was a spin-off of **The Daily Show** and quickly gained a dedicated fan base known as the "Colbert Nation." It received widespread critical acclaim for its biting satire and commentary on political and social issues. - **Awards and Recognition**: During its nine-season run, **The Colbert Report** won numerous awards, including six Primetime Emmy Awards and two Peabody Awards. The show's impact was significant, encouraging political engagement among younger audiences. - **Notable Segments and Initiatives**: The show included segments like "Better Know a District," which sometimes elicited notable responses from politicians. Colbert also launched a satirical presidential campaign in 2007 and created a Super PAC in 2011 to highlight issues in campaign finance. ### Current Status and Notable Aspects - **Conclusion**: The show concluded its run in December 2014, leaving a lasting impact on American culture and political satire. - **Legacy**: The program's influence extends beyond entertainment; it coined terms like "truthiness" and engaged audiences in political discussions. Stephen Colbert went on to host **The Late Show with Stephen Colbert** on CBS starting in 2015. - **Cultural Impact**: The show's influence on popular culture is evident in its ability to shape public discourse and inspire new forms of political engagement through satire. While not an organization in the traditional sense, **The Colbert Report** was a groundbreaking program that leveraged satire to critique and engage with contemporary issues, leaving a lasting legacy in