Stephen Colbert maintains that the cancellation of The Late Show has not undermined the foundations of American free speech. After receiving the Emmy for Outstanding Variety Series, he told Variety that he believes free speech remains alive and well.
Colbert emphasized that restricting speech through imprisonment would violate free speech, noting that other late‑night programs such as The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live continue to thrive. He said late‑night television remains as humorous and essential as ever, expressing his enjoyment of working with fellow hosts like Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, John Oliver, Seth Meyers, and others, and hoping the format endures.
When asked about Donald Trump’s role in ending The Late Show, Colbert responded as if he hadn’t heard. Regarding Bari Weiss, now leading CBS News, he said he was unfamiliar with her and asked, “Do you know her?” He added that he’s heard “great things.”
The Late Show concluded its final season in May, having earned multiple Emmy Awards this year for categories such as writing, directing, technical direction, lighting, and editing. The honors were bestowed at the Creative Arts Emmys held last weekend.
Colbert expressed gratitude for the show’s recognition, saying, “I’m thrilled that the program was honored, especially at last week’s Creative Arts ceremony, where the writers, directors, technical crew, camera, lighting, and digital teams were celebrated. It’s wonderful to be reunited after four months apart, and we are deeply grateful to the Academy and all who voted for the show.”
After his show’s victory, Colbert announced he is working on a new Lord of the Rings film, co‑writing the script with Philippa Boyens and Peter McGee.
Speaking to backstage reporters, Colbert said he woke up in New Zealand the previous day to attend the Emmys. “It felt like I traveled from yesterday to tomorrow,” he remarked, noting his confusion about the day and admitting he was “hallucinating” during his speech.
He noted that the project he announced in March has kept him occupied since The Late Show concluded. “That’s what I’m doing,” he said. “Writing a Lord of the Rings film is a full‑time commitment.”
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