Key Highlights
- Nikki Glaser returns as host for the 2026 Golden Globes after a successful debut in 2025.
- The comedian reflects on her first hosting experience, praising the positive reception but acknowledging the high bar set by it.
- Glaser discusses the challenges of staying relevant and connecting with audiences who consume content differently today.
- She plans to seek advice from colleagues and leverage her own approach to craft a monologue for the upcoming event.
Nikki Glaser: Preparing for Her Second Golden Globe Hosting Gig
In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, comedian and actress Nikki Glaser opens up about her preparations for hosting the 2026 Golden Globes. Glaser, who made a surprising impact as last year’s host, is now tasked with maintaining that momentum in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.
The Pressure of Hosting Again
“I could do it tonight and feel like I have a solid monologue,” Glaser stated over Zoom earlier Tuesday morning. “But I still have five days to write more, so I’m looking forward to what it becomes. There’s a lot that can happen in the final moments when the writing team and I are all kind drained of any creativity. That’s when it starts to get loopy and weird. I’m excited for what comes out of that.”
Reflections on Her First Experience
The comedian admitted that she was surprised by the overwhelmingly positive feedback following her hosting gig last year. “That it was all positive. (Laughs.) It kind of tripped me up, man,” Glaser said. “Usually, you do something and there’s a couple of people who don’t like what you did — or a couple flaws you can find — and it was universally appreciated and well-reviewed. I’m not used to that. I don’t like that.
It only sets me up for failure.”
Glaser also shared that she did not watch the telecast again after living through it, but she recently revisited it to remind herself of what worked. “I was like, ‘Oh, that was pretty good. I’ve got to do that again.’ And I learned a lot from watching it,” she said.
Challenges in Staying Relevant
“You have to find what everyone knows. Honestly, there isn’t anything that everyone watches,” Glaser noted with frustration. “People don’t even get news anymore. It’s depressing.” She cited the example of Timothée Chalamet’s catchphrase, which is now obscure for many viewers.
Despite these challenges, Glaser remains enthusiastic about her role. “I’m trying to turn imposter syndrome into, ‘I’m so grateful that this is my life.’ And I think it’s good to have going into the Globes,” she said. She draws inspiration from Ricky Gervais’s approach to hosting, emphasizing the freedom of being a non-celebrity and able to make fun of A-listers.
Seeking Advice
In preparing for her second gig, Glaser is reaching out for advice. “I saw Judd Apatow last night at a gig and said, ‘Please send me any notes you have.’ He seemed to have no notes, but he’s someone who’s hosted the Directors Guild Awards before,” she explained. “Steve Martin sent in a joke through one of my writers. That was so nice. Then he said afterwards, ‘Actually, tell her: Don’t do that joke. That’s too far.’ And he was right.”
Glaser also mentioned that she receives constant feedback from comedians and even family members, highlighting the collaborative nature of her preparation process.
The Countdown to the 2026 Golden Globes
The 2026 Golden Globes will air live from 8 -11 p.m. ET / 5 -8 p.m. PT on CBS, streaming on Paramount+, Sunday, Jan. 11.
As Glaser gears up for the event, she is focused on crafting a monologue that balances humor and relevance while staying true to her unique perspective.
“I want to have another moment like that,” she said, referring to a spontaneous interaction from last year’s hosting gig where she called out Adam Sandler. “There’s fun people in the room this year — Kevin Hart, Amy Poehler, even Kathy Bates licking that paddle the other day! I walked into the writers room like, ‘Well, Kathy Bates is down!’ There are certain people I’m thinking of messing with, but I don’t know that I’ll do a reprise of Chalamet and Sandler.”
Glaser’s approach to hosting the Golden Globes this year reflects both her growth as an entertainer and the challenges she faces in navigating an ever-changing entertainment industry. As the date approaches, the pressure is on for Glaser to deliver another memorable performance.