Less than a month after CBS shockingly canceled The Late Show With Stephen Colbert the emmy race for Best Variety Talk series has been wholly upended.
Based on initial Gold Derby predictions following the nominations in july, The daily Show was favored to win its 12th Emmy in the category, extending its record. But in the weeks following The Late Show‘s cancellation (and shortly after the third nominee, Jimmy Kimmel of Jimmy Kimmel Live publicly announced he was “voting for Stephen”), there’s a new frontrunner in the race for Best Variety Talk Series.
Drumroll, please!
Variety Talk Series
- Jimmy Kimmel Live!
- The Daily Show
- The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
Late Night Laughs: Ranking the Talk Show hosts as Emmy Season Heats Up
Table of Contents
As Emmy season approaches, it’s time to assess the contenders in the Outstanding Talk Show category. This year promises a competitive race, with established hosts and rising stars vying for the coveted award. Here’s a breakdown of the frontrunners, ranked with an eye toward critical acclaim, cultural impact, and Emmy potential:
1. Stephen Colbert (“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”)
Stephen Colbert remains the clear frontrunner. His sharp wit, insightful political commentary, and ability to blend humor with genuine emotion consistently set him apart. colbert’s monologues are reliably excellent, and his long-form interviews frequently enough delve deeper than those of his competitors. He’s a consistent critical favorite and a proven Emmy winner,making him the one to beat.
2. John Oliver (“Last Week Tonight with John Oliver”)
John Oliver’s deep-dive investigative journalism, delivered with a comedic edge, continues to resonate. “Last Week Tonight” isn’t just a talk show; it’s a force for facts and change. While its format differs from customary late-night, its impact is undeniable, and the Emmys have increasingly recognized its unique contribution to the television landscape.
3. Jimmy Kimmel (“Jimmy Kimmel Live!”)
Jimmy Kimmel has found a strong rhythm,particularly with his viral “Mean Tweets” segments and increasingly poignant personal stories. He’s adept at navigating both celebrity interviews and topical humor, and his show consistently generates buzz. Kimmel’s ability to connect with a broad audience makes him a strong contender.
4.seth Meyers (“Late Night with Seth Meyers”)
Seth Meyers’ “A closer Look” segments are consistently brilliant, offering incisive political commentary that rivals even Colbert’s. Meyers is a gifted writer and performer, and his show provides a smart, complex alternative to more mainstream late-night offerings.
5. Trevor Noah (“The Daily Show”)
trevor Noah successfully steered “The Daily Show” through a tumultuous period, offering a unique perspective on American politics and culture. While he has since departed, his work during the Emmy eligibility period will be considered. The show’s legacy and continued relevance ensure it remains in the conversation.
Dark Horses:
Amber Ruffin (“The Amber Ruffin show”): A consistently funny and inventive show that deserves more recognition. Desus & Mero (Showtime): Their unique brand of conversational comedy has a dedicated following.
The race for Outstanding Talk Show is wide open, but Colbert and Oliver appear to be the most formidable contenders. As the Emmy nominations draw closer, expect a lively debate about which host best captured the zeitgeist and delivered the most compelling late-night television.
Beyoncé’s Super Bowl Performance: Will It Finally Win Her an Emmy?
Beyoncé’s electrifying Super Bowl LVIII performance has sparked a familiar debate: is it time for the superstar to finally receive an Emmy Award? While she boasts a record-breaking 32 Grammy Awards and numerous other accolades, an Emmy has remained elusive, despite multiple nominations.
Her Super Bowl halftime show, a dazzling spectacle of hits, choreography, and visual effects, is being touted as her strongest Emmy contender yet. The performance wasn’t just a concert; it was a cultural moment, generating massive social media buzz and critical acclaim.
The Category & Competition
The relevant Emmy category is Outstanding Variety Special. This is a highly competitive field, often dominated by established late-night hosts, awards shows, and large-scale concert events. Beyoncé will likely face competition from specials featuring artists like Adele, Taylor Swift, or even other major sporting event halftime shows.
Why This Could Be Different
Several factors could work in Beyoncé’s favor this year:
Scale and Innovation: The Super Bowl performance was a massive undertaking, pushing the boundaries of live television production.
Cultural Impact: The performance resonated deeply with audiences, sparking conversations about representation, Black culture, and female empowerment.
Critical Reception: Reviews were overwhelmingly positive, praising Beyoncé’s artistry and showmanship.
The “It” Factor: Beyoncé is arguably the biggest star in the world right now, and the Television Academy often recognizes cultural relevance.
Past Nominations & Snubs
Beyoncé has been nominated for Emmys for previous concert specials and projects, including “Lemonade” and her “Homecoming” performance at Coachella. However, she has yet to secure a win, leading to accusations of snubs and a sense of frustration among her fans.
Will 2024 Be Her Year?
While an Emmy is never guaranteed, Beyoncé’s Super Bowl LVIII performance has undoubtedly positioned her as a frontrunner in the Outstanding variety Special category. Whether the Television Academy will finally recognize her exceptional talent and groundbreaking work remains to be seen, but the buzz and anticipation are higher than ever before.## Jimmy Kimmel Doubles Down on Support for Stephen Colbert in Emmy Race
Kimmel promptly threw his support behind Colbert. Shortly after news of the cancellation broke on July 17, with Paramount saying it was shuttering Colbert’s show due to “purely financial” reasons, the Jimmy Kimmel Live host proclaimed on social media, “Love you, Stephen. F–k you and all your Sheldons, CBS.” And then last week Kimmel erected his “I’m voting for Stephen” billboard in West Hollywood.
The Daily Show is the reigning champion in this category, and currently rotates hosts among Jon Stewart, Ronny Chieng, Jordan Klepper, Michael Kosta, and Desi Lydic. As a producer of both The Daily Show and The Late Show, Stewart would take home an Emmy if either of those two programs wins Best Variety Talk Series.He has not yet announced his preference via an FYC billboard.
Stephen Colbert to Present at the 2025 Emmys, Continues Acting with Elsbeth Role
Stephen Colbert will return to the stage as host of the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards in September 2025, marking his second time leading the ceremony. This announcement comes as Colbert prepares to conclude his run as host of The Late Show next spring, and as he takes on a new acting role in the CBS crime dramedy Elsbeth.
Colbert’s Return to the Emmys
Colbert previously hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards in 2017,receiving positive reviews for his performance. He will follow comedian Nate Bargatze,who is hosting the 2024 ceremony on september 14th. The 2025 Emmys will air on CBS .
Elsbeth Guest Appearance
Beyond his hosting duties and final season on The Late Show, colbert is also expanding his acting portfolio. He will appear as a guest star on Elsbeth, a CBS crime dramedy starring Carrie Preston as a uniquely observant investigator. Colbert will play a fictional late-night talk show host, a role that feels particularly fitting given his career . Filming for his Elsbeth appearance took place in New York City in early August 2024,suggesting the role was secured before the announcement of The late Show‘s ending.
The End of an era: The Late Show
in April 2024, Colbert announced he would be stepping down as host of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert sometime in the spring of 2025 . He has hosted the show as September 2015, taking over from David Letterman. His tenure has been marked by sharp political commentary, engaging interviews, and a dedicated fanbase.
Key Takeaways:
Stephen Colbert will host the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2025.
He is also guest-starring on the CBS series Elsbeth as a late-night talk show host.
Colbert will be leaving The Late Show* in the spring of 2025.
colbert’s continued presence in television, both as a performer and a host, ensures that audiences will continue to enjoy his signature wit and insightful commentary for years to come. His upcoming projects demonstrate a willingness to explore new creative avenues while maintaining his connection to the entertainment landscape he has shaped for over a decade.
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