Stephen Colbert tries to get 'Late Show' staff jobs in Emmy acceptance speech
When The Late Show with Stephen Colbert won the Emmy for Outstanding Variety Series, host Stephen Colbert used his acceptance speech to call on other shows to hire the hundreds of staff displaced by CBS’s cancellation. He highlighted the talent of the team, thanked his audience and guests, and refl…
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert took home the Emmy for Outstanding Variety Series on Monday, marking the final time the long‑running program would be honored after CBS abruptly cancelled it earlier this year. In a speech that mixed gratitude with a plea for job opportunities, Colbert turned the award into a platform to advocate for the hundreds of writers, producers, and crew members who found themselves suddenly unemployed.
Colbert’s Call to Action
During the acceptance, Colbert addressed the audience and the industry, saying, "If you like the comedy tonight, my old writers wrote it." He went on to name Ariel Dumas, the show’s head writer, as the head writer of the Emmy ceremony itself, underscoring the caliber of talent that had been part of the Late Show’s creative team.
Colbert’s remarks were more than a thank‑you; they were a direct appeal to other networks and production companies. "They are all tech‑savvy, hire them. They will make your show better and they will make your day easier," he said, highlighting the skill set the Late Show crew had developed over decades of live television production.
Background: The Late Show’s Abrupt End
After 32 years on air, CBS announced the cancellation of The Late Show in March, citing a "purely financial decision" and stating it was unrelated to broader corporate moves at Paramount. The decision left more than 400 employees—ranging from writers and producers to technical staff—without jobs. The final episode aired in May, and the network’s abrupt exit shocked many in the entertainment industry.
Colbert, who has been a fixture on late‑night television since 2005, used his platform to remind viewers of the importance of late‑night shows as training grounds for emerging talent. He emphasized that these programs require large teams working under tight deadlines, making them ideal incubators for young professionals.
Personal Touches and Public Reactions
In a heartfelt moment, Colbert singled out his wife, Evie, as his favorite guest, thanking her for being his "only crew and only audience during COVID." He expressed his love and appreciation for her support during the pandemic, adding a personal note to an otherwise industry‑focused speech.
The speech also touched on earlier controversies involving CBS and Paramount. Colbert had previously accused Paramount of influencing political decisions, a claim that drew criticism from former President Donald Trump, who had expressed a preference for talk‑show hosts who did not criticize him. These political tensions added a layer of complexity to the cancellation debate.
What’s Next for the Former Staff?
While the Emmy win brought national attention to the displaced crew, concrete job offers remain uncertain. Colbert’s appeal has sparked conversations among network executives and production companies about hiring the experienced talent pool. Some industry insiders are already reaching out to former writers, producers, and technical staff to explore new opportunities.
Colbert’s speech also highlighted the broader issue of job security in the television industry, especially for those working on long‑running shows that can be abruptly canceled. The industry may need to develop more robust support systems for displaced talent, including career transition programs and networking opportunities.
As the entertainment world watches, the outcome of Colbert’s call to action could set a precedent for how networks handle sudden cancellations in the future, potentially leading to more collaborative approaches to rehiring experienced crews.
Why It Matters
Colbert’s speech shines a spotlight on the often overlooked workforce behind late‑night television and underscores the importance of supporting creative talent when programs end unexpectedly.
It also raises questions about corporate decision‑making and the human cost of financial strategies in the media industry.
Key Takeaways
- The Late Show won its final Emmy for Outstanding Variety Series.
- Colbert used the platform to urge other shows to hire the displaced Late Show crew.
- CBS’s cancellation left over 400 employees jobless.
- Colbert highlighted the value of late‑night shows as training grounds for talent.
- The speech touched on political controversies involving CBS, Paramount, and former President Trump.
- Industry reactions suggest a potential shift toward collaborative rehiring practices.
FAQ
- What led to the cancellation of The Late Show? CBS cited financial reasons, stating the decision was unrelated to Paramount’s broader corporate moves.
- How many people were affected by the cancellation? More than 400 staff members, including writers, producers, and technical crew, were left unemployed.
- What is Stephen Colbert’s role in the Emmy ceremony? He named Ariel Dumas, the Late Show’s head writer, as the head writer of the Emmy ceremony itself.
- Has Colbert addressed political controversies related to the show? Yes, he referenced earlier accusations involving Paramount and former President Trump.
- What is the industry’s response to Colbert’s plea? Some networks are exploring hiring former Late Show talent, indicating a potential shift in rehiring practices.
Why it matters
Colbert’s public appeal underscores the vulnerability of television crews to corporate decisions and highlights the need for industry-wide support mechanisms for displaced talent.
Key points
- The Late Show won its final Emmy for Outstanding Variety Series
- Colbert urged networks to hire the displaced Late Show crew
- CBS’s cancellation left over 400 employees jobless
- Late‑night shows serve as training grounds for emerging talent
- Political controversies involving CBS, Paramount, and Trump were referenced
- Industry reactions suggest a potential shift toward collaborative rehiring
Frequently asked questions
What led to the cancellation of The Late Show?
CBS cited financial reasons, stating the decision was unrelated to Paramount’s broader corporate moves.
How many people were affected by the cancellation?
More than 400 staff members, including writers, producers, and technical crew, were left unemployed.
What is Stephen Colbert’s role in the Emmy ceremony?
He named Ariel Dumas, the Late Show’s head writer, as the head writer of the Emmy ceremony itself.
Has Colbert addressed political controversies related to the show?
Yes, he referenced earlier accusations involving Paramount and former President Trump.
What is the industry’s response to Colbert’s plea?
Some networks are exploring hiring former Late Show talent, indicating a potential shift in rehiring practices.
