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, which is exactly what The Hollywood Reporter predicted. However, what's interesting is how these shows have earned their nominations, and the new Emmy category structure that has played a role in this year's selections.
The variety series category has been consolidated into a single category, merging the previously separate scripted and talk series categories. This change was made due to a decline in the number of submissions in the past few years. The new structure means that the number of nominees is proportional to the number of submissions received for each format, and the category is now considered an 'area award', allowing for multiple winners.
What makes this year's nominations particularly intriguing is the journey of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Colbert's show ended in May after CBS axed the traditional late-night talk show format, and he blamed politics for the cancellation. Kimmel, on the other hand, faced a suspension from Disney/ABC for a few days after making an inaccurate observation about the political leanings of Charlie Kirk's alleged assassin. Both shows have had to navigate challenging circumstances, and their nominations are a testament to their resilience and ability to adapt.
The new Emmy category structure has also played a role in the nominations. The consolidation of the variety series category means that the shows with the most submissions have a better chance of being nominated. This year, The Daily Show, Last Week Tonight, and Saturday Night Live have the most submissions, which has likely contributed to their nominations. However, the new structure also means that the shows with the most cultural cachet or brand recognition, like Colbert and Kimmel, have a better chance of being nominated, even if they haven't had the most submissions.
In my opinion, the new Emmy category structure has created a more competitive and diverse field of nominees. The consolidation of the variety series category has allowed for more shows to be nominated, and the 'area award' structure means that the shows with the most cultural impact or brand recognition have a better chance of being recognized. However, I also think that the new structure has created a bit of a 'winner-takes-all' mentality, with the shows with the most submissions or brand recognition having a better chance of being nominated, even if they haven't had the most challenging year.
Overall, the 2026 Emmy nominations for Best Variety Series are a reflection of the new Emmy category structure and the challenges that the late-night talk shows have faced in recent years. The nominations are a testament to the resilience and adaptability of these shows, and they are a fascinating insight into the world of television and the Emmy Awards.
