Stephen Colbert could campaign for his own final Late Show Emmy win. Instead, he is using some of his awards-season energy to support a longtime late-night rival. The former CBS host has publicly backed Jimmy Kimmel as Emmy voting winds down. The gesture also returns a favor Kimmel made during last year’s race.
Stephen Colbert endorses Jimmy Kimmel in the Emmy variety race
Colbert made his pitch in an Instagram video posted Tuesday. Sitting outdoors with a tablet, he reminded Television Academy members that voting was nearly over. “I think we can all agree that Jimmy Kimmel deserves an Emmy,” Colbert said.
He then displayed a photo of Kimmel and joked, “Besides, look how cute he is!”
The endorsement stands out because Colbert’s own Late Show is competing in the same variety series Emmy category. The Television Academy lists Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Late Show, The Daily Show, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, and Saturday Night Live as nominees.
However, this year’s Emmy Awards race works differently. Each nominated program receives an individual yes-or-no vote. Therefore, more than one series can potentially win.
Colbert’s support also returns a favor from 2025. Kimmel backed him during the previous awards race after CBS announced The Late Show would end. He even promoted Colbert instead of his own show.
That history makes Colbert’s latest move feel less surprising. Kimmel has continued supporting his fellow host since the cancellation, including inviting Colbert to guest-host his ABC show.
Still, both men have active Emmy campaigns. CBS recently launched a final awards push for Colbert and The Late Show.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Kimmel Live! took a very different approach. Kimmel recently turned Donald Trump’s repeated attacks into his own Emmy campaign.
For now, Stephen Colbert appears happy to share the spotlight. Even with his own show in contention, he made his choice clear before voting closed.
Originally reported by Misbah Pandith on Reality Tea
