Late-Night Emmy Alliance
Stephen Colbert Endorses Rival Jimmy Kimmel in the Merged Emmy Race
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Key Points
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The Television Academy designated Outstanding Variety Series as an 'area award' this year, meaning more than one show could win in the merged category.
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Colbert's final monologue referenced a 'joy machine' and described the show’s long run, noting the difficulty and emotion of continuing after The Late Show’s cancellation.
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Jimmy Kimmel previously leaned into provocative campaigning, including a 'For Your Consideration' video montage that includes clips of Donald Trump attacking him and his show to rally voters.
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Stephen Colbert is receiving nine Emmy nominations this year, the largest haul of his 11-year tenure.
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The awards race has produced a rare late-night alliance, with Colbert backing fellow nominee Kimmel despite both competing in the same category, underscoring the unusual cross-rival camaraderie in this year’s Emmys.
Stephen Colbert threw his support behind rival Jimmy Kimmel in a surprise Instagram video, urging Emmy voters to pick Kimmel's show in the merged Outstanding Variety Series race. Deadline reported that Colbert, sporting a new beard and filmed on a cliff he called the 'end of the world,' flipped a tablet to reveal Kimmel's photo. The unusual endorsement comes after the Television Academy consolidated talk and scripted variety into a single category—meaning multiple shows can win if they hit a 90% approval threshold from voters.
How a Merged Emmy Category Changed the Game
The Television Academy made an uncommon decision this year: treating Outstanding Variety Series as an 'area award' instead of a traditional single-winner category. Yahoo explained that each of the five nominees—Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, The Daily Show, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, and Saturday Night Live—is judged on its own merits. Winners only need 90% of voter approval, not the most votes. This structure lets multiple shows win simultaneously.
The shift opened the door for something rare in Emmy history: cross-rival support. Late-night hosts traditionally compete fiercely. But this year's voting rules and the shared hardship of The Late Show's cancellation last year have created an unexpected alliance. Reality Tea noted that Colbert publicly backed Kimmel despite their direct competition, signaling a shift in how peers view the awards.
Colbert and Kimmel's Year of Mutual Support
Last year, when CBS canceled The Late Show, Kimmel returned the favor by endorsing Colbert for Emmy glory. Deadline reported that Kimmel backed The Late Show publicly and even purchased a billboard promoting Colbert. Now, with his show's future more secure, Colbert has reciprocated in his own creative style. His bearded cliff-side video message sent a powerful signal: in this unusual Emmy year, rivals can root for each other.
Colbert's endorsement reflects more than just friendship. AOL reported that Colbert believes Kimmel deserves an Emmy after his long tenure hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The endorsement underscores Colbert's view that multiple quality shows can win in a restructured category. It also shows how the canceled Late Show ordeal bonded the late-night community.
Kimmel's Bold Emmy Campaign Strategy
Kimmel has not been shy about his Emmy push. His campaign has included provocative clips featuring Donald Trump attacking him and his show—a strategy designed to rally voters by showing his influence and reach. Reality Tea noted that Kimmel released a 'For Your Consideration' video montage pairing Trump's criticism with his own achievements. The boldness reflects Kimmel's confidence and willingness to lean into controversy.
Beyond videos, Kimmel went old-school with a West Hollywood billboard promoting his bid. These aggressive tactics stand in contrast to Colbert's measured endorsement, yet both approaches serve the same goal: making sure Emmy voters remember Jimmy Kimmel Live!. With voting ending before year-end, every message counts. Yahoo confirmed that Colbert's late-cycle endorsement came strategically timed to maximize impact.
Colbert's Record Haul and The Late Show's Legacy
Colbert is having his strongest Emmy year yet. He earned nine nominations this year—his largest haul in eleven years hosting The Late Show. Despite the show's cancellation by CBS, Colbert's work remains recognized by the Television Academy. His final monologue referenced a 'joy machine' and reflected on the difficulty and emotion of continuing after the network's shock decision to cancel the program.
The cancellation hit hard, but it has not dimmed Colbert's impact on late-night television. His endorsement of Kimmel signals grace and perspective—qualities that may resonate with Emmy voters themselves. The September 14 ceremony on NBC and Peacock will reveal whether Colbert's nine-nomination year translates into wins, and whether Kimmel's aggressive campaign and Colbert's support push him over the line in the altered variety series race.
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