The 2026 Emmy nominations for Best Variety Series have been announced, and it's no surprise that the usual suspects have made the cut. The Daily Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Last Week Tonight With John Oliver, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, and Saturday Night Live have all been nominated, with The Hollywood Reporter predicting these picks. However, what's more interesting is the new structure of the Emmy Awards' variety series category, which has been consolidated into a single, unified category. This change comes after a years-long decline in the number of series submitted in the best scripted variety series and best variety talk series categories. The new setup is a return to the Emmys' original format, which is a welcome change for many. But what does this mean for the future of late-night talk shows, and how have Colbert and Kimmel earned their nominations the hard way? Personally, I think this new structure is a step in the right direction, as it simplifies the Emmy process and recognizes the diverse nature of variety programming. What makes this particularly fascinating is the fact that the nominations are proportional to the number of submissions received for each format. This means that the nods are not just based on the quality of the shows, but also on the popularity and demand for each type of variety series. In my opinion, this is a fair and inclusive approach, as it acknowledges the different formats and genres within the variety category. One thing that immediately stands out is the fact that Colbert and Kimmel have both had a challenging year. The Late Show was canceled by CBS in May, with Colbert blaming politics and Paramount citing cost. Despite this, they have both managed to secure Emmy nominations, which is a testament to their resilience and determination. What many people don't realize is that Colbert and Kimmel are both on President Trump's list of enemies in the mainstream media. This has undoubtedly affected their careers and public image, and it's interesting to see how they have navigated these challenges. If you take a step back and think about it, it's clear that the Emmy nominations are not just a celebration of the best in television, but also a reflection of the current political and cultural climate. The fact that Colbert and Kimmel have both earned their nominations the hard way is a powerful statement, and it raises a deeper question about the role of late-night talk shows in society. A detail that I find especially interesting is the fact that the Emmy Awards have merged the scripted and talk series categories. This is a significant change, as it acknowledges the blurring lines between these two formats and recognizes the diverse nature of variety programming. What this really suggests is that the Emmys are evolving to keep up with the changing landscape of television, and it's a refreshing approach. In conclusion, the 2026 Emmy nominations for Best Variety Series are a reflection of the current political and cultural climate, and they highlight the resilience and determination of Colbert and Kimmel. The new structure of the Emmy Awards' variety series category is a welcome change, and it's exciting to see how the Emmys are evolving to keep up with the changing landscape of television. Personally, I think this is a step in the right direction, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for late-night talk shows and the Emmy Awards.
