Stephen Colbert Says ‘Free Speech Is Alive and Well’ After Emmy Win Despite CBS Cancellation: Late Night Is ‘Just as Vital as it Ever Has Been’

At Monday night's Emmy Awards, Stephen Colbert declared that "free speech is alive and well" and that late-night television remains "just as funny and just as vital as it ever has been." His remarks followed his victory in the outstanding variety series category.

The triumph and subsequent comments come despite the recent cancellation of "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" by CBS. Despite the network's decision to end his program, Colbert maintained an optimistic outlook on the state and ongoing importance of the genre.