In newly released video from last weekend’s pre-telecast Emmy ceremonies (above), The Late Show with Stephen Colbert writers used their win to make a case for late night itself.
Accepting the award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series, executive producer Tom Purcell thanked the show’s staff and crew, Stephen Colbert, and the rival programs still carrying the late-night banner.
“I’d also like to thank everybody who keeps late night going,” Purcell said, naming Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, The Daily Show, and Jimmy Kimmel Live! among them. “It is a super important institution in this country. And keep the flame burning, guys.”
The remarks came after The Late Show won the variety writing Emmy for the first time, ending Last Week Tonight’s ten-year winning streak in the category.
Purcell also paid tribute to Colbert, calling him the show’s “fearless leader” and “the best host, best boss in the world.”
In additional Thank You Cam video, co-head writer Ariel Dumas spoke on behalf of the writing team, thanking Colbert, Paramount, CBS, Purcell, and the writers’ families.
She also slipped in a pitch for her now-unemployed colleagues.
“We want to thank all of our families for being so patient and sweet with us,” Dumas said, “and all of our future employers for hiring us.”
Dumas then circled back to thank The Late Show’s staff and crew, saying they were the people “without whom none of this would have been on the air.”
“We love you, staff and crew,” she added. “We miss you.”
The win was one of six Emmys picked up by The Late Show during Saturday’s pre-telecast Emmy ceremonies, quadrupling the show’s lifetime total from two to eight. Jimmy Kimmel, The Daily Show, Desi Lydic, and Saturday Night Live were also among the late-night winners that night.
The Late Show will have another shot at Emmy history Monday, September 14, when it competes for Outstanding Variety Series at the main Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony.
