CBS experienced a notable disappointment at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards when The Late Show with Stephen Colbert failed to secure an award in the Best Talk Show category. This year’s ceremony, the 31st annual, featured strong competition including Late Night With Seth Meyers, Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Daily Show, and Hot Ones. Ultimately, the award went to Jimmy Kimmel, whose program had encountered challenges earlier in the year, including a temporary suspension.
Colbert’s absence from the ceremony was particularly noticeable, especially as Kimmel made light of it during his acceptance speech. The 58-year-old host quipped that his fellow nominees “did not care enough to be here with you tonight,” humorously suggesting he might be the “only one left.” Kimmel did acknowledge Sean Evans from Hot Ones, who was present and found amusement in the remarks.
As CBS prepares for an impending transformation, the network has announced five new reporting guidelines for 2026, which have drawn scrutiny and been labeled by some as “state propaganda.” This situation compounds the challenges facing the network, particularly with Colbert’s show slated to conclude in May 2026. CBS revealed the cancellation in July 2025, attributing the decision to financial considerations.
Despite the impending end of his show, Colbert has enjoyed a successful run since its debut in September 2015. Reflecting on the cancellation, Colbert commented to GQ, “Listen, every show’s got to end at some time… That’s just the nature of show business.” His words resonate as he acknowledges the realities of the industry, noting that his show is among the first number one programs to be canceled.
The timing of the show’s cancellation has led to speculation regarding potential censorship, particularly given Colbert’s history of vocal criticism of former President Donald Trump. This speculation intensified following a lawsuit filed by Trump against CBS in November 2024, which claimed that a segment on 60 Minutes constituted “election interference.”
While Colbert missed the opportunity to address Trump during a potential acceptance speech, Kimmel did not hold back in his remarks. He stated, “Most of all, I wanna thank our president, Donald Jennifer Trump. Without whom, we’d be going home empty-handed tonight.” Kimmel’s address underscored the ongoing interplay between late-night television and political commentary, highlighting the unique role these shows play in shaping public discourse.
As CBS navigates this challenging period, the future of late-night television continues to evolve. With Colbert’s departure on the horizon and new guidelines in place, the network’s strategy will likely come under scrutiny in the months to come. The Critics’ Choice Awards have once again highlighted the competitive nature of the industry, reminding viewers and networks alike of the stakes involved in this dynamic landscape.
