Jimmy Kimmel is hosting the Emmys on September 20th and how will that work?

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The Emmys announced yesterday they had their host for their September 20th broadcast. Jimmy Kimmel will return for his third time hosting the awards show. The show will be aired on ABC. But that’s about all we know because no one can figure out how this is going to happen in the middle of a pandemic. Not only the show itself, but what will be up for consideration.

Jimmy Kimmel will return to host the 72nd Emmy Awards on ABC, the network and Television Academy announced on Tuesday. This marks the third time Kimmel has hosted the Emmys, following the 64th event in 2012 and 68th in 2016.

The Primetime Emmy telecast will take place as planned on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. ET. But beyond that, information about the telecast’s producer, or how the show will look in these pandemic times, will still be announced at another date.

“I don’t know where we will do this or how we will do this or even why we are doing this, but we are doing it and I am hosting it,” said Kimmel, who will also serve as executive producer.

According to insiders, among the scenarios being explored for an Emmys broadcast are a fully virtual version, as well as an in-person event that could still incorporate some virtual or other “non-traditional” elements. The most important thing in determining which to choose is ensuring the health and safety of anyone involved in the show.

“We know Jimmy Kimmel will deliver a uniquely entertaining, funny and moving Primetime Emmys show,” said Karey Burke, president, ABC Entertainment. “He’s a true master of ceremonies who reveres this industry and its people; and just as Jimmy has done with his own show over the past few months, he will tackle this momentous event with heart and humor, and bring some much-needed joy and optimism to our television colleagues and viewers at home.”

[From Variety]

I love award shows, as you know. But if they remove the live audience, what’s the point? I’m sure they will find some creative ways to work in all the technology we’ve relied on during quarantine but I have little desire to watch a two-hour zoom call as a bunch of Hollywood types congratulate themselves from the comfort of their sofas. The speeches and the fashion are why I tune in. I realize that things might change by September, but I doubt there will be fill-a-theater change at that point. So prepare yourselves for a bunch of montages and technical glitches of folks trying to call in to accept their award. On the one hand, people might be less nervous without standing on stage in front of a thousand faces, on the other, there will be no audience reaction to feed off of.

As for Kimmel being the host – he’s safe. I actually didn’t realize he was an executive producer, so he’s doubly safe. I guess ‘safe’ is a good theme when trying to protect the country from a deadly virus. And I’m fine with him being host, but I don’t think he’s the best choice. If this is a virtual thing, Seth Meyers would’ve been the way to go. Seth has perfected his timing without the benefit of an audiences’ interaction, he would nail a virtual Emmys show. But I recognize Seth’s Late Night is NBC, so I guess that limits the options. I guess “heart and humor, and bring some much-needed joy and optimism,” would be a nice balm. But I’d also like a host who isn’t as concerned with being safe during these changing times.

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7 Responses to “Jimmy Kimmel is hosting the Emmys on September 20th and how will that work?”

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  1. Marianne says:

    Im betting it will virtual. They will ask the nominees (if they want) to log in just before their category is announced. And when the winner is announced, they will cut straight to that person’s feed. Statues will be mailed.

    I dont think they’ll need presenters though. That seems more complicated and unnecessary. But who knows. It will be interesting to see how they handle winners “going over time”. Just simply cut them off and go back to Jimmy?

  2. Allz says:

    IMO I just feel like having awards show in the next year is just tone deaf. Hundreds of thousands of people are dying. I don’t want to celebrate rich people right now.

  3. Amy says:

    They rotate which channel airs it every year between ABC, NBC, Fox, and CBS. That’s why Jimmy hosts every 4 years. I agree that Seth would’ve been the better option, but it’s not NBC’s year.

  4. Marjorie says:

    Businesses are trying to survive, people need jobs, and award shows, however shallow, are a lot of jobs. Also Catherine O’Hara is going to get her Emmy this year and I need to see her dress. Plus whatever Dan Levy wears.

  5. Case says:

    I’m sure it will be virtual. I think that sounds fun. I know there are a lot more important things going on right now, but to be completely honest, shows and movies are what keep me (and I’m sure a lot of other people) happy and entertained during quarantine. I’m very grateful to artists for that — always have been, but more so now more than ever.

    If any show or movie has helped your mental health just a bit during all of this, it’s important and should be celebrated. I look forward to award season every year and will appreciate the ones who are able to air in the next few months!

    • Wow2 says:

      I think it would be a hilarious touch to have all the famous people zoomed in, dressed to the 9’s, making grand entrances in their kitchen or livingroom or something. They are actors after all, they could get really creative with it and and we’d still get the fashion

  6. Lilyb says:

    Jimmy kimmel is the best. He should be the one hosting every single award show ever. I still am mad over Oscar’s not having a host. And Jimmy is just the best after 2 times hosting the Emmy’s and 2 times hosting the Oscars he is more than capable to do it.