Time is running out on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. So the show’s host did what any soon-to-be-unemployed talk show host did when presenting at the Emmys on Sunday: Made it clear to the captive audience of Hollywood power players that he’s in the market for a new opportunity.
On Sunday night, Stephen Colbert brought the audiences to its feet when he walked on stage to present the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, which was the first award of the night at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards.
As the beloved late night host was given a standing ovation, he had just one question for the audience: “Is anyone hiring?” He then added: “Because I have about 200 very qualified people with me tonight.”
The comment, of course, was a nod to CBS’ shocking decision to cancel The Late Show in July. While the series will continue producing new episodes until May of next year, Colbert clearly already has “what’s next?” on his mind—both for himself and the hundreds of talented people who help bring the show to life four nights per week.
The Late Show began its life more than 30 years ago, with Late Show With David Letterman, which ran from 1993 through 2015. Following Letterman’s retirement, Colbert—then host of The Colbert Report, in which he played a fictional version of himself—took his place behind the desk.
If there is any sort of silver lining to his premature dismissal, it might be that after more than 30 nominations over its 10 years under Colbert’s stewardship, The Late Show won its first two Emmys this year, including the top honor: Outstanding Talk Series.
