NBC announced today that Saturday Night Live stars Michael Che and Colin Jost will host the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards later this year. The duo is best known as the current anchors on the series’ beloved Weekend Update segment.
“NBC is thrilled to be the home of this year’s Emmy Awards and with Colin and Michael in the driver’s seat as hosts, along with surprise appearances by other cast members of Saturday Night Live, I think we are in for one of the funniest awards shows in a long time,” commented Robert Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment.
Also, SNL icon Lorne Michaels will executive produce the telecast for NBC, the first time he has done so in 30 years.
“We’re proud of our deep comedy roster at NBC, and Michael and Colin — along with the return of king of comedy producer Lorne Michaels — will make this the must-see comedy event of the year,” added Paul Telegdy, president of NBC Entertainment.
Jost stepped behind the Weekend Update desk four years ago, joined by Che in 2015. Both became co-head writers on the variety show last year.
“We’re proud to be the first duo hosting the Emmys since Jenna Elfman and David Hyde Pierce, and somehow that’s a real fact,” said Che and Jost.
At last year’s Emmys, SNL dominated the competition, taking home nine awards, more than any other show.
“We are elated that Colin Jost and Michael Che will bring their hilarious collective talents to hosting this year’s Emmy Awards,” shared Hayma Washington, Television Academy chairman and CEO. “They have an amazing onscreen rapport and we are delighted to begin working with them along with the entire NBC team.”
Nominations for this year’s Primetime Emmys will be announced on July 12. The awards ceremony will air live from the Microsoft Theaters at L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Monday, September 17 from 8-11 p.m. ET on NBC.