Colbert's Late Show Snags Surprise Emmy Wins, Breaking a Decade-Long Streak

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, despite its cancellation, earned two major Emmy victories on the first night of the awards. Its short-form spinoff Colbert Before Air took the prize for outstanding short form comedy, drama or variety series, while the main show won for outstanding writing for a variety series. The writing win is notable because it ends Last Week Tonight with John Oliver's ten-year winning streak in that category.

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The ceremony, previously known as the Creative Arts Emmys, saw the canceled late-night program secure two unexpected victories. The main series triumphed in the writing category, while its digital companion piece won for short-form content.

This writing award notably interrupts a dominant decade-long run by a competing show, which had held the prize since 2016. Another prominent late-night host was also nominated in the same category, making the outcome particularly