The Emmy Awards have always been a platform to celebrate the best in television, and this year's nominations for the recombined Outstanding Variety Series category are a testament to that. With a unique voting system and a diverse range of nominees, the 2026 Emmys are shaping up to be an intriguing affair, especially for late-night TV enthusiasts.
The Nominees
The field is set, and it's an exciting one at that. Leading the pack is the iconic Saturday Night Live, a show that has dominated the Emmys for decades. It's joined by two other perennial favorites, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and The Daily Show, both known for their sharp wit and insightful commentary. Completing the lineup are The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, hosts who have had their fair share of memorable moments this past year.
What makes this year's nominations particularly fascinating is the recombined category. For the first time in over a decade, late-night shows will compete in a single category, merging the Variety Talk Series and Scripted Variety Series races. This move adds an extra layer of intrigue, as it pits some of the most established names in late-night against each other.
A Unique Voting System
But it's not just the nominees that make this year's Emmys interesting; it's also the voting system. Instead of the traditional single-winner format, the Outstanding Variety Series category will operate on a yes-or-no basis. Each nominated series will be considered individually, and if a show receives yes votes from 90% or more of eligible voters, it wins an Emmy. This means there could be multiple winners, or the Emmy could go to the series with the highest percentage of yes votes if no nominee reaches the threshold.
This system adds an element of unpredictability to the awards. It's a departure from the usual, and it will be interesting to see how voters respond and whether it encourages a more strategic approach to voting.
A Reflection of Late-Night's Evolution
The recombined category and its unique voting system also reflect the evolving nature of late-night television. With the rise of streaming platforms and changing viewer habits, the traditional late-night talk show format has had to adapt. This year's nominees showcase the diversity of the genre, from the sketch comedy of Saturday Night Live to the more news-focused Last Week Tonight and The Daily Show. It's a reminder that late-night TV is not a one-size-fits-all genre, and the Emmys are recognizing that by recombining the categories.
A Night to Remember
As we look forward to the 78th Emmy Awards, set to air on NBC and Peacock in September, it's clear that this year's ceremony will be a memorable one. With a diverse range of nominees and an innovative voting system, the Outstanding Variety Series category is sure to spark conversations and debates. It's a category that truly represents the best of late-night TV, and I, for one, can't wait to see who takes home the coveted Emmy.
So, mark your calendars, and get ready for a night of celebration and surprises as the best in television are honored at the 2026 Emmys.
