Kenan Thompson fans can never get enough of him, and they’re about to get a little more! The star of Saturday Night Live will host this year’s Emmys, it was confirmed today. On September 12th, the awards programme will be telecast live on NBC and streamed live on Peacock. Thompson follows in the footsteps of several other SNL alumni, including Colin Jost, Michael Che, Seth Meyers, and Andy Sandberg, who have all hosted the ceremony in recent years. Thompson is no stranger to hosting events, and while this will be his first time hosting the Emmys, he is no stranger to hosting.
In the last year alone, the artist has hosted the People’s Choice Awards and the Kid’s Choice Awards. Twice he has emceed the NHL Awards. Thompson will join the cast of Saturday Night Live for the twentieth year in a row this upcoming autumn. Thompson’s performance as a host on the show has prepared him well to host the Emmys.
Thompson never has any trouble transitioning into a hosting role, whether it’s through his Steve Harvey parody or the perennial fan favourite “What’s Up With That?” With six nominations and a single win, he should feel perfectly at home at the Emmys. Thompson is well-known not just for his work on Saturday Night Live, but also for his roles on such shows as That Damn Michael Che and The Kids in the Hall, as well as his latest comedy, Kenan.
He first gained recognition as a young actor in movies like D2: The Mighty Ducks and Good Burger, and television shows like All That and Kenan & Kel. Thompson stated this about hosting the Emmys: My longstanding network family, NBC, is hosting this fantastic evening when we recognise the finest of the television world, and I couldn’t be more honoured to be a part of it. I know I’m not alone when I say I can’t wait to see my favourite TV stars.
EVP of Live Events for NBCUniversal Television and Streaming Jen Neal also released a statement on Thompson’s selection to host the landmark awards show, saying: “Kenan’s time on “Saturday Night Live” speaks for itself, as he is widely recognised as one of the funniest, most likeable, and most skilled performers of the previous two decades. We’re certain that he’ll bring the energy and competence to the Emmys that a programme of this calibre requires.
On September 12, NBC and Peacock will broadcast the 73rd annual Emmy Awards show.