On Thursday, the 2026 Emmy nominations revealed that Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel earned spots in the best variety series category. The nominees include The Daily Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Last Week Tonight With John Oliver, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, and Saturday Night Live. This year, the Television Academy has restructured the variety series categories, consolidating scripted and talk shows into a single competitive field.
New Structure for Emmy Categories
The 2026 Emmy nominations mark a significant change in the variety series category. Previously divided into scripted and talk series, the categories have merged due to a decline in submissions over recent years. According to the Television Academy, this change aims to streamline the awards process and reflect the evolving landscape of television.
This year, the nominees were chosen based on a proportional representation of submissions in the unified category. As a result, the nods went to well-known contenders like Last Week Tonight, which has a history of winning, and Saturday Night Live, which continues to maintain its cultural relevance.
Challenges Faced by Colbert and Kimmel
Both Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel faced unique challenges leading up to their nominations. Colbert's show ended in May, following CBS's decision to cancel the traditional late-night format. He attributed the cancellation to political factors and rising costs. Despite this setback, his nomination is seen as a recognition of his contributions to the genre.
