CBS experienced a notable setback at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards when its flagship program, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, was overlooked for the prestigious Best Talk Show award. At the 31st annual ceremony, Colbert was nominated alongside leading competitors including Late Night With Seth Meyers, Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Daily Show, and YouTube’s Hot Ones. Ultimately, the award went to Jimmy Kimmel, who has faced his own challenges this year, including a temporary suspension of his show.
Colbert’s absence from the ceremony was notable, particularly as Kimmel playfully pointed out during his acceptance speech that some nominees “did not care enough to be here with you tonight.” Kimmel’s light-hearted jab included a reference to Colbert’s decision not to attend, suggesting that he may have expected the snub. Kimmel’s comments, while humorous, highlighted the competitive atmosphere among late-night hosts.
The timing of this event coincides with CBS’s plans for a significant transformation in 2026. The network recently announced the establishment of five new reporting guidelines, which have drawn criticism from observers who labeled them as “state propaganda.” This backdrop further complicates the network’s relationship with its late-night programming.
Colbert’s show, which is set to conclude in May 2026, has had a successful run since its debut in September 2015. The decision to end the program was announced in July 2025, with CBS citing financial reasons. Reflecting on the cancellation, Colbert remarked in an interview with GQ, “Listen, every show’s got to end at some time… That’s just the nature of show business.”
The cancellation has generated discussions regarding potential censorship, particularly given Colbert’s vocal criticism of former President Donald Trump. Speculation grew after Trump filed a lawsuit against CBS in November 2024, claiming a segment from 60 Minutes constituted “election interference.”
During the Critics’ Choice Awards, although Colbert missed the chance to address the ongoing political climate directly, Kimmel did not hold back. In his acceptance remarks, Kimmel humorously credited Trump for providing material for late-night comedy, stating, “Most of all, I wanna thank our president, Donald Jennifer Trump. Without whom, we’d be going home empty-handed tonight.” His remarks underscored the ongoing interplay between politics and entertainment, particularly in the realm of late-night television.
As CBS navigates these challenges, the future of its programming remains uncertain. The shifts in late-night television reflect broader trends in media and public discourse, raising questions about the impact of political dynamics on entertainment platforms. With Colbert’s tenure coming to a close, audiences will be watching closely to see how CBS and its remaining shows adapt to the changing landscape.
