CBS encountered another challenge at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards when The Late Show with Stephen Colbert failed to secure recognition in the Best Talk Show category. The 31st annual ceremony saw Colbert competing against notable shows such as Late Night With Seth Meyers, Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Daily Show, and YouTube’s Hot Ones. Ultimately, Colbert’s program lost out to Jimmy Kimmel, who has had a tumultuous year, including a temporary suspension of his show.
Colbert’s absence from the awards ceremony was noted, with Kimmel jokingly pointing out that his competitors “did not care enough to be here with you tonight.” Kimmel’s remarks included a playful jab at the situation, as he quipped that he might end up being the “only one left.” During his speech, Kimmel did acknowledge Sean Evans from Hot Ones, who was present and visibly amused by the comments.
This year’s Critics’ Choice Awards held particular significance for Colbert, as it could potentially mark his last chance for recognition before The Late Show concludes in May 2026. CBS announced in July 2025 that the program would be wrapping up due to financial considerations, ending a successful run that began in September 2015. Colbert acknowledged the nature of the television industry in a previous interview with GQ, stating, “Listen, every show’s got to end at some time… But I think we’re the first number one show to ever get canceled.”
The cancellation has prompted speculation regarding its implications, particularly in relation to the Trump administration and accusations of censorship. Observers have pointed to Colbert’s consistent criticism of former President Donald Trump as a potential factor in the show’s ending. This speculation intensified following a lawsuit filed by Trump against CBS in November 2024 concerning a segment aired on 60 Minutes, which he claimed amounted to “election interference.”
While Colbert missed the opportunity to address Trump at the Critics’ Choice Awards, Kimmel did not shy away from the subject. His remarks included a tongue-in-cheek thank you to Trump, whom he referred to as “Donald Jennifer Trump,” for providing material that kept late-night television lively. Kimmel expressed his eagerness to return to the airwaves, stating, “It’s been a banner couple of weeks, and we can’t wait to get back on the air tomorrow night to talk about them.”
As CBS navigates the aftermath of this latest blow, the future of Colbert’s show remains a poignant reminder of the unpredictable landscape of late-night television and the impact of broader political dynamics on entertainment.
