Emmys Host Idea: Keke Palmer, Alan Cumming, ‘Reggie Dinkins’ Cast

This is the year that will determine Primetime’s success or failure. emmy awards. After NBC airs the 78th Emmy Awards on September 14, the current four-network “wheel deal” in which ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox take turns broadcasting the annual ceremony will expire. As of now, there has been no renewal, which means we still don’t know what the future holds for the show.

I’ve used this column for the past few years to pitch the idea of ​​a “roadblock” where all streamers and networks would simulcast the Emmys. This exposes the show (and any aspiring candidates) to a much wider audience, as opposed to being limited to only broadcasting on one outlet at a time.

The concept of everyone coming together for one evening and putting a pause on competition for the good of the entire TV business was compelling. The Motion Picture Academy then inked a mega deal with YouTube to move the 2029 Oscars to the platform. The deal is said to be in the nine-figure range.

now i am afraid television academy Maybe YouTube is jealous and wants to strike its own deals with social media platforms (Emmys on TikTok? Or Instagram?) or global streamers. But I would advise you to think long and hard about it.

First of all, unlike the Oscars, the Emmys are not a global event. Primetime Emmys focuses on programs broadcast by American media outlets for American audiences. Of course, some international series and many British dramas qualify for the Emmys because they are American co-productions. (Apologies for the ‘heated competition’ that left it ineligible for the Canadian Emmys.) But since this is a domestic award, there’s not much of a selling point in the idea that Spanish or Indian viewers can watch it on Netflix.

Additionally, signaling a deal with just one outlet would alienate everyone else at the Emmys. I think ultimately competitors will be less interested in campaigning for the awards themselves if they have exclusive rights to the awards. And no matter what, there has to be a broadcast component. Mega hits like “Tracker” and “High Potential” remind audiences who watch those shows on streamers that broadcasts still help drive awareness and intent to watch.

So, feel free to expand the wheel to include streamers along with broadcast networks, renew plans already set, or take my roadblock ideas.

As of this year, Jesse Collins Entertainment has entered its fourth production, and now they have to find a host (or hostesses). Of course, NBC has Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers on it. However, it appears that both are done with the show and are not insisting on returning. A closer look at NBC and Peacock brings to mind several options, including Keke Palmer (“The Burbs”), Alan Cumming (“The Traitors”) and Amy Poehler (the upcoming “Dig”).

A rough choice might be Seth MacFarlane, who produced Peacock’s “Ted” and “The Burbs.” Yes. Given what’s been said over the years about his widely publicized Oscar hosting gig, this could be salvation.

But my real immediate pick is NBC’s ‘Star.’The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins.” This comedy needs more attention, and it would be fun to get Tracy Morgan, Erika Alexander, Bobby Moynihan, and Daniel Radcliffe on stage together. ‘Reggie Dinkins’ viewers know this cast has hysterical chemistry and plenty of room for spontaneous energy.

Morgan and Moynihan, in particular, could bring some “Saturday Night Live” spirit to the show (and perhaps even recruit some of their former “SNL” co-stars). Radcliffe knows his way around the stage. And Alexander was able to keep the show going.

At the recent NBC Emmys luncheon, I talked about this concept with the cast of “Reggie Dinkins,” and everyone agreed. “It’s a great idea,” Alexander said. “How can I do that?” Morgan knew, “That’s Variety right there, he’ll probably make it happen!”

Okay, Tracy. Let’s see if I can convince the Television Academy to take on my Emmy hurdle promotion… and, for good measure, throw in the cast of “Reggie Dinkins” as this year’s host.