Stephen Colbert Wins Emmy After ‘Late Show’ Canceled by CBS and Tells Industry to Hire His Crew: ‘They Will Make Your Show Better!’

During the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday night, Stephen Colbert's "The Late Show" was celebrated with an Emmy for Outstanding Variety Series. However, Colbert's victory took on a different tone than expected. Instead of merely accepting the award, Colbert used the opportunity to advocate for his "Late Show" writers and staff, urging employers to hire them immediately.

At the start of his acceptance speech, Colbert acknowledged the role of his old writers, stating, "I just want to point out that if you like the comedy tonight, my old writers wrote it." He then extended his gratitude to the over 200 individuals who contributed to "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" over the past 11 years.

Colbert highlighted the unique nature of late-night talk shows, emphasizing their role as "fantastic incubators for young people to learn to work professionally on a deadline in cooperation, in collaboration." He concluded with a plea, saying, "I want you to know I got some great news. They are all tech avail. Hire them. They will make your show better, and they will make your day easier."

The comedian also took the time to thank the celebrities present for their participation in the show, joking, "Over the last 21 years, I’ve interviewed at least a thousand of you. Thank you for coming on to talk to this idiot. I want you to know that you are the perfect guest, the segment went great and I’m sorry I forgot to play your clip."

Finally, Colbert's most heartfelt thanks went to his wife, Evelyn McGee Colbert, whom he affectionately referred to as "Evie McGee." "Thank you, darling. Thank you for being my only crew and my only guest during COVID, my only audience and the only audience I really care about. Yours is the laugh that I want for the rest of my life," he said before ending his acceptance speech.