St. Louis comedian Nikki Glaser is about to check off a big box on her to-do list.
The podcaster, TV host, and star of two lauded HBO comedy specials has said in past interviews that she would love to host a major awards show. This January, she’ll get her chance. Glaser has been tapped as the host of the 82nd annual Golden Globes, which will air live on CBS and Paramount+ on Sunday, January 5.
Stay up-to-date with the local arts scene
Subscribe to the weekly St. Louis Arts+Culture newsletter to discover must-attend art exhibits, performances, festivals, and more.
“The Golden Globes is not only a huge night for TV and film, but also for comedy,” Glaser said in the Golden Globes’ announcement of her hosting gig. “It’s one of the few times that show business not only allows, but encourages itself to be lovingly mocked (at least I hope so). (God I hope so). It’s an exciting, yet challenging gig because it’s live, unpredictable, and in front of Hollywood’s biggest stars (who also might be getting wasted while seated next to their recent exes).”
Glaser will bring her signature brand of comedy to the event, which is often described as one of the rowdier Hollywood parties. It seems like a perfect fit for the comedian, who thrives at both roasting and hosting.
READ MORE: Welcome to Nikki Glaser’s brain: Restless and raw, the St. Louis comic both craves the nation’s attention and doubts she deserves it.
“Nikki Glaser is a comedic powerhouse whose daring and unfiltered humor is the perfect match for the Golden Globes,” said Helen Hoehne, president of the Golden Globes, in the same announcement. “She is sure to bring a unique energy and spontaneity to the show that will keep the audience entertained all night.”
Hosting the Globes will bring Glaser to one of her biggest audiences ever. Last year’s event averaged 10 million viewers, making it the third-largest televised award show in the world, behind the Grammys and the Academy Awards. In the host announcement, Jay Penske, chairman and CEO of Penske Media and Dick Clark Productions, which produces the event, teased the hope that Glaser can not only steer the show in a fun, entertaining direction in January, but possibly for years to come.
“Nikki Glaser brings a fresh and unmatched candor to her comedy and to the Golden Globes,” said Penske. “Her unapologetic style made her an obvious and compelling choice as host for this year’s event. We’re hopeful this could be the first of many Golden Globes that Nikki will surprise and delight our CBS audience, as well as our audiences around the globe.”
The Golden Globes air Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 7-10 p.m. CST on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
