Stephen Colbert Accepts WGA East's Walter Bernstein Award

The Late Show host took the opportunity to champion his staff and criticize CBS parent company Paramount

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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During his acceptance speech for the Writers Guild of America East's Walter Bernstein Award, outgoing Late Show host Stephen Colbert championed his writing staff and took a final jab at CBS parent company Paramount, which he said canceled the show due to financial losses. Colbert also read out jokes that had been cut from the show, including ones about the Dobbs decision, Kristi Noem, and Donald Trump.

Why it matters

Colbert's speech highlighted the creative tensions between late-night hosts and their corporate overlords, as well as the challenges writers face in getting their material on air. His willingness to confront social injustice and media censorship aligned with the spirit of the Walter Bernstein Award, which honors those who demonstrate "creativity, grace and bravery" in the face of adversity.

The details

In his 15-minute speech, Colbert poked fun at Paramount's decision to cancel The Late Show, joking that "the revolution was going to be televised, and then Paramount bought it." He also read out several jokes that had been cut from the show, including ones about the Dobbs decision, Kristi Noem, and Donald Trump. Colbert emphasized the important role his writing staff played in the show's success, urging the audience to employ them.

  • The ceremony took place on March 8, 2026.
  • Colbert's Late Show is set to end in May 2026.

The players

Stephen Colbert

The outgoing host of The Late Show, who was honored with the Walter Bernstein Award from the Writers Guild of America East.

Paramount

The CBS parent company that Colbert criticized for canceling The Late Show due to financial losses.

Writers Guild of America East

The organization that presented Colbert with the Walter Bernstein Award, which honors those who demonstrate "creativity, grace and bravery" in the face of adversity.

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What they’re saying

“As we know, the revolution will not be televised. It was going to be televised, and then Paramount bought it.”

— Stephen Colbert, Outgoing Late Show host (Deadline)

“Evidently, the revolution was losing, like, $40 million a year — it had to go. I hear the revolution is thinking of starting a Substack.”

— Stephen Colbert, Outgoing Late Show host (Deadline)

“Oh my God, he masturbates like a toddler poops.”

— Stephen Colbert, Outgoing Late Show host (Deadline)

What’s next

Colbert's Late Show is set to end in May 2026, marking the conclusion of his long-running late-night career.

The takeaway

Colbert's speech highlighted the creative tensions between late-night hosts and their corporate overlords, as well as the challenges writers face in getting their material on air. His willingness to confront social injustice and media censorship aligned with the spirit of the Walter Bernstein Award, underscoring the importance of creative freedom and political commentary in the entertainment industry.