Mariska Hargitay to Host the Emmys

When it comes to hosting the Emmy Awards, the network broadcasting the event usually turns to a late-night host, a sitcom actor or a comedian.

But NBC is going in a different direction this year, tapping one of its most popular dramatic actresses instead. NBC announced on Tuesday morning that the “Law Order: SVU” star Mariska Hargitay will host the 78th Emmy Awards in September.

It’s the first time in years that a network has pivoted away from a comedian. Some recent selections include the stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze, the “Schitt’s Creek” stars Eugene and Dan Levy and the late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. The last time NBC broadcast the event, in 2022, the network selected the “Saturday Night Live” mainstay Kenan Thompson.

“Few performers have left the kind of mark on television that Mariska has,” Jen Neal, NBC’s executive vice president of live events, said in a statement. “For 27 seasons, she has brought strength, compassion and humanity to one of the most beloved characters on TV.”

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/07/business/media/mariska-hargitay-emmys-host.html