The 2026 Emmy nominations for Best Variety Series have been announced, and it's no surprise that the usual suspects have made the cut. The Daily Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and Saturday Night Live (SNL) are all nominated, with The Late Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live! having earned their spots the hard way. But what makes this year's nominations particularly interesting is the new structure of the category, which has been consolidated into a single 'Best Variety Series' award, merging the previously separate scripted and talk series categories. This change reflects a broader trend in the television industry, where the lines between scripted and unscripted content are becoming increasingly blurred. In this article, I'll explore the implications of this shift, the challenges faced by late-night talk shows in the current media landscape, and the impact of political polarization on the Emmy nominations. I'll also offer my own perspective on the future of late-night talk shows and the role of political commentary in entertainment.
The New Emmy Category: A Consolidation of Variety
The Television Academy's decision to merge the scripted and talk series categories into a single 'Best Variety Series' award is a significant shift in Emmy history. This change comes at a time when the number of series submitted in the best scripted variety series and best variety talk series categories has been declining for years. The current setup, where the number of nominees is proportional to the number of submissions received for each format, is a nod to the past. But the new 'area award' structure, where nominees are judged individually on their own merits, opens up the possibility of multiple winners. This raises an interesting question: what does it mean for a show to be considered a 'variety' series in the 21st century? Is it the format, the content, or the impact of the show that defines its variety? Personally, I think the answer lies in the show's ability to blend different elements of entertainment, from comedy and satire to political commentary and social commentary. And in this sense, The Daily Show, Last Week Tonight, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert are all prime examples of variety in action.
The Challenges of Late-Night Talk Shows
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel Live! have both earned their Emmy nominations the hard way this year. The Late Show ended in May after CBS axed the traditional late-night talk show format, with Colbert blaming politics and Paramount citing cost. This was a shock to the industry, and a honorary nomination for The Late Show was a slam dunk. Jimmy Kimmel Live!, on the other hand, had its own circus to navigate this past season. Kimmel was suspended by Disney/ABC for a few days following an inaccurate observation he made regarding the political leanings of Charlie Kirk's alleged assassin. These challenges highlight the difficulties faced by late-night talk shows in the current media landscape. The rise of streaming services and the decline of traditional television have changed the way people consume media, and late-night talk shows are struggling to keep up. The pressure to be funny, informative, and politically relevant is immense, and the consequences of getting it wrong can be severe. But despite these challenges, late-night talk shows remain a vital part of the entertainment landscape, offering a unique blend of comedy, satire, and political commentary that can't be replicated elsewhere.
Political Polarization and the Emmy Nominations
Colbert and Kimmel are both on President Trump's list of enemies in the mainstream media, and this has had a significant impact on their Emmy nominations. The political polarization in the United States has created a climate where late-night talk shows are often seen as either heroes or villains, depending on their political leanings. This has led to a situation where shows that are critical of the current administration are often viewed more favorably by Emmy voters, while those that are more neutral or supportive of the administration are often overlooked. This dynamic is particularly interesting in the context of the new 'Best Variety Series' award, where the lines between scripted and unscripted content are becoming increasingly blurred. It raises the question: should political commentary be a requirement for a show to be considered a 'variety' series? Or should it be left to the viewers to decide whether a show is political or not? In my opinion, the answer lies in the show's ability to offer a balanced and nuanced perspective on political issues, while still being entertaining and engaging. And in this sense, The Daily Show, Last Week Tonight, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert are all prime examples of how political commentary can be integrated into a variety series in a meaningful way.
The Future of Late-Night Talk Shows
The future of late-night talk shows is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the traditional format is no longer sustainable. The rise of streaming services and the decline of traditional television have changed the way people consume media, and late-night talk shows are struggling to keep up. But despite these challenges, I believe that late-night talk shows will continue to evolve and adapt to the changing media landscape. The key will be to find new ways to engage audiences, whether through innovative formats, bold political commentary, or a focus on social issues. In my opinion, the future of late-night talk shows lies in their ability to offer a unique blend of entertainment and social commentary that can't be replicated elsewhere. And in this sense, The Daily Show, Last Week Tonight, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert are all prime examples of how late-night talk shows can continue to thrive in the 21st century.
Conclusion: The Evolution of Variety
The 2026 Emmy nominations for Best Variety Series reflect a broader trend in the television industry, where the lines between scripted and unscripted content are becoming increasingly blurred. The new 'Best Variety Series' award, which consolidates the previously separate scripted and talk series categories, is a nod to this evolution. And the challenges faced by late-night talk shows, such as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, highlight the difficulties of navigating the current media landscape. But despite these challenges, I believe that late-night talk shows will continue to evolve and adapt, offering a unique blend of entertainment and social commentary that can't be replicated elsewhere. The future of variety lies in its ability to offer a balanced and nuanced perspective on political and social issues, while still being entertaining and engaging. And in this sense, The Daily Show, Last Week Tonight, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert are all prime examples of how variety can continue to thrive in the 21st century.
