Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel have both secured nominations in the variety series category at the upcoming Primetime Emmy Awards, continuing their prominence despite ongoing political controversies involving former President Donald Trump. The nominations were announced ahead of the ceremony scheduled for September 14.

Colbert’s "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert," which concluded its 11-season run in May, and Kimmel’s "Jimmy Kimmel Live," broadcast on ABC, will compete alongside HBO’s "Last Week Tonight With John Oliver," Comedy Central’s "The Daily Show," and NBC’s "Saturday Night Live." This year, the Television Academy consolidated the previously separate talk series and scripted variety series categories into a single category for variety series, resulting in a broader pool of nominees, all of whom have received prior Emmy recognition.

The two hosts have frequently been the targets of criticism from Trump and conservative commentators, stemming from their regular satirical critiques of the former president and his administration. Trump criticized both shows publicly, accusing them of lacking talent and low viewership, and at one point called for their cancellation. When CBS announced it would end “The Late Show” in 2025, Trump took credit on social media for the decision. However, CBS attributed the cancellation to financial challenges rather than political pressure.

Despite the show’s conclusion, "The Late Show" won the Emmy for talk series in 2025, while "Last Week Tonight With John Oliver" received the award for scripted variety series that same year. Kimmel has continued his on-air criticisms of Trump since then. In September 2025, ABC temporarily pulled "Jimmy Kimmel Live" from the airwaves for five days after Kimmel’s remarks in the aftermath of the fatal shooting of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk provoked backlash from Trump and other conservative figures. ABC’s parent company, Disney, later reversed the suspension, and the program has since remained on air. Kimmel’s contract was extended at the end of 2025, with plans for him to continue hosting through the 2026-2027 season.

The renewed Emmy nominations reflect the sustained influence of these shows within the late-night television landscape, despite the ongoing tensions and controversies linked to their political commentary.