The 74th Primetime Emmy Awards are almost a month away and, just in the nick of time, it finally has a host. The Television Academy announced that Keenan Thompson will emcee the event on Monday, September 12. The “Saturday Night Live” star is a six-time nominee who won the Outstanding Music and Lyrics Emmy in 2018 for “Come Back Barak.” Thompson has also been nominated three times for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for “SNL” and once for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for “Keenan.”
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In a statement, Thompson said, “Being a part of this incredible evening where we honor the best of the television community is ridiculously exciting, and to do it on NBC – my longtime network family – makes it even more special. Like all TV fans, I can’t wait to see the stars from my favorite shows.”
Jen Neal, Executive Vice President of Live Events for NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, added, “Kenan is well-regarded as one of funniest, likable and accomplished performers of the last two decades and his tenure on ‘Saturday Night Live’ speaks for itself. We know he’ll bring an excitement and professionalism to the Emmy Awards that a show of this stature deserves.”
Thompson follows fellow “SNL” stars Michael Che and Colin Jost who hosted the Emmys the last time NBC aired them in 2018. The 2021 ceremony aired on CBS and was hosted by Cedric the Entertainer. Jane Lynch was the last woman to host the ceremony way back in 2011 on FOX.
After record low ratings in pre-pandemic 2019 and a mostly virtual ceremony in 2021, the 2022 ceremony saw a slight uptick with 7.83 million viewers. The telecast hit 17.63 million viewers as recently as 2013 when Neil Patrick Harris hosted and it aired on CBS.
This year’s telecast will return to the Microsoft Theater at LA Live. Two Creative Arts Emmys ceremonies will occur on Sept. 3 and 4th during Labor Day Weekend. And, no, the nominees in those categories are not thrilled their holiday weekend has been co-opted by the Television Academy.
The 2022 Primetime Emmy Awards will be aired live on Monday, Sept. 12 and at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on NBC. The telecast will also stream on Peacock.
