Mariska Hargitay and More Stars Who Were Named Emmy Hosts Through the Years

TV's biggest night has been hosted by many notable Hollywood names over the years. Comedians like Stephen Colbert have been successful in hosting the show over the years. In the past, cast members and alum from Saturday Night Live have stepped up to the plate. Eddie Murphy hosted in 1983 alongside fellow comedian Joan Rivers, while Jimmy Fallon hosted the event in 2010. Seth Meyers also hosted the Emmys in 2014. Though the 2019 ceremony went hostless, Jimmy Kimmel was asked to take on the role for the 2020 event despite the COVID-19 crisis still being underway. As the coronavirus pandemic ebbed and flowed, the Emmys attempted to return to normalcy. Following Cedric the Entertainer in 2021, Kenan Thompson was announced as the host for the 74th annual awards show in 2022. In July 2026, NBC surprised fans when they announced Law & Order: SVU actress Mariska Hargitay would host the ceremony in September 2026. For the first time in 15 years, a woman has landed the hosting gig for the Emmys. "Bringing important stories into the light has been the heartbeat of my career. It's my great honor to host the 78th Emmy Awards — in the 100th birthday year of my beloved NBC — and celebrate this extraordinary community of storytellers," Hargitay said in a statement before the September 2026 telecast. In September 2025, the comedian received mixed reviews for his role as host. The Canadian father-son duo — known for bringing the laughs on Schitt's Creek — served as co-hosts for the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards.