Awards season is in full swing: Early tomorrow morning, we’ll know who’s up for a 2017 Oscar, and we’ve just learned who’ll host this year’s Emmys. According to a downright ebullient press release, Stephen Colbert will preside over TV’s biggest night. The Late Show host succeeds Jimmy Kimmel, who’ll host the Academy Awards next month, in the role. Maybe that’s the natural progression of things—a jump from the small to big screen (awards show). In any case, Colbert is psyched about the announcement, and he’s already writing large checks with his mouth that he’ll have to cash by putting other people’s butts in seats. “This will be the largest audience to witness an Emmys, period,” Colbert said. “Both in person and around the globe.”
The Television Academy effused over Colbert with Colbert, with executive vice president Jack Sussman describing him as “the ultimate master of ceremonies with award-winning creative talents, and as we’ve seen the past few months, he has a fearless passion for live television. We look forward to honoring television’s best while entertaining audiences with the creative energy and sharp comedy of Stephen Colbert.” Well, as long as they all agree.
The 69th Primetime Emmys will air Sunday, September 17 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.