Atlanta native Kenan Thompson to host 2022 Emmy Awards

The Emmy Awards are right around the corner and Saturday Night Live veteran Kenan Thompson will emcee this year’s 74th Emmy Awards, set to air on both NBC and Peacock on Sept. 12.

It’s going to be the first time Thompson hosts the awards show, but as we know, he is no stranger to hosting duties. Thompson hosted the 2021 People’s Choice Awards and returned as host of the 2022 NHL Awards. “Being a part of this incredible evening where we honor the best of the television community is ridiculously exciting, and to do it on NBC – my longtime network family – makes it even more special,” Thompson said. ”Like all TV fans, I can’t wait to see the stars from my favorite shows.”

While it may be Thompson’s first time hosting the Emmy Awards, he’s no stranger to the show – he’s an Emmy award-winner and six-time nominee. Thompson won an Emmy for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics in 2018 for the SNL song “Come Back, Barack.”

Thompson’s hire continues the streak of past and present Saturday Night Live cast members/writers hosting the Emmys. The comedian is in good company as previous hosts include Jimmy Fallon, Conan O’Brien (twice), Seth Meyers, Michael Che and Colin Jost. Thompson will be breaking a record with SNL this fall, as he will be entering his 20th season – making him the longest-running cast member on the show. “Kenan is well-regarded as one of funniest, likable and accomplished performers of the last two decades and his tenure on Saturday Night Live speaks for itself,” said EVP of Live Events for NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, Jen Neal. “We know he’ll bring an excitement and professionalism to the Emmy Awards that a show of this stature deserves.”