Stephen Colbert, the former host of The Late Show has been making waves since his departure from the iconic late-night program. From embracing a new look to endorsing his friend Jimmy Kimmel for an Emmy, Colbert’s post-show journey is as intriguing as his time on air.
The comedian, known for his clean-shaven appearance during his Late Show tenure, has been spotted with a noticeably grayer goatee. This new look has drawn comparisons to his predecessor, David Letterman, who famously grew a spectacular beard after retiring from late-night television. Colbert’s beard, though not yet as impressive as Letterman’s, marks a significant change in his appearance.
Colbert’s Heartfelt Farewell and TCA Award
Colbert recently accepted the 2026 TCA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Variety, Talk, or Sketch. In his acceptance speech, he praised the dedicated staff that supported the show through its final season, acknowledging the challenges they faced. He humorously noted that they were “running straight into a brick wall at the end,” but remained focused. Colbert concluded his speech with a bittersweet farewell to television, expressing his fond memories and nostalgia for the medium.
Emmy Endorsements and Late-Night Friendships
In a surprising twist, Colbert has publicly endorsed his friend and fellow late-night host Jimmy Kimmel for the 2026 Emmy Awards. Despite his own show, The Late Show being nominated in the Outstanding Variety Series category, Colbert encouraged Emmy voters to consider Kimmel’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! for the award. He even filmed a video from a windswept coastline, jokingly referring to himself as being “at the end of the world” while advocating for Kimmel.
Colbert’s endorsement is a return favor from Kimmel, who campaigned for Colbert during the previous Emmy season. This mutual support highlights the camaraderie among late-night hosts, even as they compete for the same awards. Kimmel’s own Emmy campaign video, featuring clips of President Donald Trump attacking him, adds a unique twist to the traditional Emmy campaign strategies.
The Controversial Cancellation of The Late Show
The cancellation of The Late Show in 2026 sparked a national debate. While CBS maintained that the decision was purely financial, Colbert openly rejected this claim on his show. The cancellation came just days after CBS parent company Paramount settled a lawsuit with Trump and the FCC approved Paramount’s merger with Skydance Media. The show’s reported annual loss of $40 million added fuel to the speculation surrounding its abrupt end.
Colbert’s departure from The Late Show marks the end of an era for late-night television. His career, spanning The Daily ShowThe Colbert Report and The Late Show has left an indelible mark on the industry. As he navigates life after late-night, Colbert’s growing beard and unexpected Emmy endorsements add a touch of humor and nostalgia to his ongoing journey.
