Emmys 2017: Who is hosting?

Taking over from the not-really-that-funny-but-well-meaning Jimmy Kimmel, this year’s host has proved time and time again that he is, in fact, a funny guy.

If you’ll recall, I didn’t do Jimmy Kimmel any favors when he hosted the Oscars last year. All of his jokes felt really forced and generic. However, we know that Jimmy Kimmel is funny, but it serves him better when he speaks from the heart. Comedy doesn’t always have to be safe and lighthearted, but you know, people (like Jimmy himself) predicted the Oscars would be pretty slow last year.

But the Emmys don’t have the same problem because television happens to be faring a lot better than movies this year. In fact, summer 2017 marked one of the slowest summers at the box office in quite some time. Whereas, TV is just making moves left and right, with Game of Thrones enjoying its biggest year yet, Stranger Things and House of Cards ushering Netflix into a new era, and limited series drama shows just wrecking the game left and right. I mean, between Big Little Lies and FEUD: Bette and Joan, television is practically at its peak.

Since Stephen Colbert took over late night and used his political satire power to solidify himself as a regular must-watch, we expect big things from him. Part of what makes him so great is his ability to put everything into perspective, from politics to celebrity and everything in between. More importantly, I don’t feel like he relies on physical comedy or cheap gags, so I’m excited to see what he prepares for his opening monologue.

Additionally, Colbert may enjoy a very special night during the Emmys. His show earned several nominations, so if he wins, he’ll be the first person to win multiple awards while hosting, according to Vanity Fair.

About a dozen hosts have won an award on the same night, but Colbert is up for six this time. So all he needs to do is win two to make history. And of course, be funny. That’s important, too.

The Emmys air on Sept. 17 on CBS.

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