Emmys: Stephen Colbert, John Oliver lead late night TV’s nominations

On Tuesday, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences announced nominees for the 73rd annual Primetime Emmys. For the world of late night television, the focus was on the Outstanding Variety Talk Series category, where The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver once again led the way.

Other nominees include The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and Conan. It is nearly the same field as 2020 but with Conan replacing fellow TBS late night show Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.

For Conan, it is the show’s second nomination in the category. Picking up the Emmy would be an upset but fitting way for Conan O’Brien to say goodbye to late night TV.

Jimmy Kimmel Live! picked up its 10th nomination. It’s number seven for Last Week Tonight, number five for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and number four for The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.

John Oliver looks to hold off Stephen Colbert for his sixth consecutive Emmys win

When the Emmy winners are announced Sept. 19, most fans will expect to hear Last Week Tonight with John Oliver called to the stage in the Oustanding Variety Talk Series category.

The HBO show owns the category, earning the trophy for the past five years in a row. Even during the Trump era, when shows like The Late Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and Late Night with Seth Meyers stayed on top of their games, it was Last Week Tonight that won Emmy after Emmy.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is late night TV’s highest-rated show, and perhaps the best chance to end Last Week Tonight‘s streak. And while the past year wasn’t easy on anyone, Stephen Colbert and company managed to guide fans through the pandemic and election with its trademark blend of sincerity and silliness.

Which show do you think will win the Emmy? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to check back with Last Night On for news, highlights, and more.