Nominations for the 2026 Emmy Awards were announced on Wednesday, featuring several surprises and notable snubs for television's biggest night. Among the unexpected nominees is Stephen Colbert's "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," which received a nomination in the Best Variety Series category.
The nomination for Colbert's show comes as a surprise to many, as "The Late Show" concluded its run in May following CBS's decision not to renew his contract, a move that was met with controversy.
"The Late Show" will compete in the Best Variety Series category against "The Daily Show" (Comedy Central), "Jimmy Kimmel Live" (ABC), "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" (HBO), and "Saturday Night Live" (NBC).
Another competitive category is Best Reality Competition Program, which includes "Dancing With the Stars" (ABC), "RuPaul’s Drag Race" (MTV), "Survivor" (CBS), "Top Chef" (Bravo), and "The Traitors" (Peacock).
Nominations were revealed by Liza Colón-Zayas and Jeff Hiller, both past Emmy winners, from the TV Academy's Saban Media Center. Mariska Hargitay, star of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and an Emmy Award winner herself, is set to host the 2026 Emmy Awards ceremony.
The 2026 Emmy Awards will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock on Monday, September 14, at 8 p.m. EST/ 5 p.m. PST. The Creative Arts Emmy Awards, where the majority of trophies are presented, will take place the preceding weekend on Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6.