Stephen Colbert Opens the 2025 Emmys to Applause and Humour

Stephen Colbert received a thunderous standing ovation when he strode onto the stage to present the first award at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards. This was a show of respect and sympathy for a host whose long-running show, 'The Late Show' featuring Stephen Colbert, was recently announced to be ending in May 2026. 

Image Courtesy: People

Colbert grabbed the opportunity and shifted the focus to himself and his soon-to-be-available employees, displaying a battered resume and an old photo while saying, "Is anyone hiring?" The tone for one of the night's more emotionally charged presentations was established by the audience's laughter, cheers, and chants of his name.

A Bittersweet Joke & A Plea for His Team

Colbert didn't just crack jokes—he used the stage to draw attention to more than just his own uncertain future. In reference to his entire production team, which will be impacted when the show concludes, he stated, "I have 200 extremely well-qualified applicants with me here tonight who will be available in June 2026."

Image Courtesy: People

Additionally, he joked that he needed to update his headshot, displaying an old photograph, before passing his CV to Harrison Ford in the audience and making the still-joking request, "Could you send this to Spielberg?" It was typical Colbert—funny, self-aware, and somehow incredibly human.

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Legacy, Recognition & The End of An Era

Warmth, a devoted audience, and insightful political commentary have been the cornerstones of Colbert's late-night career. 'The Late Show' has been a mainstay since 2015. Despite its success, CBS revealed in July 2025 that the show would end in May 2026 due to budgetary limitations in the face of a difficult late-night television market. However, Colbert received more than just pity at the Emmys; he received recognition.

Image Courtesy: The New Yorker

After years of nominations, 'The Late Show' finally took home the Emmy for Outstanding Talk Series, a significant victory. Using purple-prose lyrics to express his love for America, Colbert used his victory speech to thank CBS, honour his crew, and reflected on what the show has meant to him and his audience.

Looking Ahead

Colbert hinted on the Emmys red carpet that his main goal is to enjoy his last few months on the program. He told E!, "We're going to have a really nice time doing the program for the next nine months! Every day, this show consumes me. So, That's all for now."

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