NBCUniversal announced on Tuesday that Mariska Hargitay will host the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, scheduled to air September 14 on NBC and stream on Peacock.
Why Mariska Hargitay is a Strategic Choice for the Emmys
Hargitay brings decades of broadcast experience to the role, having starred as detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU since 1999. According to NBC, the choice reflects her status as one of the network’s signature personalities. Her tenure on the show is historic, with the series set to surpass 600 episodes during its upcoming 28th season.
Beyond her longevity, Hargitay holds significant industry credibility. She has earned eight Emmy nominations for her work on SVU, winning the award for lead actress in a drama series in 2006. Her profile this year extends beyond acting; she is also a contender for her work as a director and producer on My Mom Jayne, a documentary centered on her mother, Jayne Mansfield.
Mariska Hargitay is one of the few non-comedians to host the Emmys in recent years. Her predecessor, Nate Bargatze, who hosted last year on CBS, represents the traditional comedic hosting style that has dominated the awards for decades.
How the Hosting Rotation Affects Broadcast Networks
The Emmys rotate annually among the "big four" U.S. broadcast networks: CBS, NBC, ABC, and Fox. While NBC will host this year at the Peacock Theater—a venue that is also slated to host the Oscars—the network faces a competitive challenge in securing nominations.
While Saturday Night Live remains a perennial Emmy powerhouse for NBC, titles such as Pluribus from Apple TV and The Pitt, starring former NBC fixture Noah Wyle, are tipped to lead the nomination field. Recent winners Liza Colón-Zayas and Jeff Hiller are scheduled to announce the nominees at the Television Academy in Los Angeles.
What Are the Emerging Trends in Awards Ceremony Hosting?
Follow the Television Academy’s official announcements to see how the mix of legacy broadcast shows and streaming originals evolves.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When and where are the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards taking place?
The ceremony will be held on September 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and will air on NBC and Peacock. - Who is hosting the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards?
Mariska Hargitay, the star of Law & Order: SVU, has been named the host. - How are Emmy hosts chosen?
The hosting duties rotate among the four major broadcast networks—ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC.
What do you think about the shift toward dramatic actors hosting major awards shows? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on the Primetime Emmy Awards.
