After This Week’s Least-Watched Emmys, Maybe It’s Time to Let a Queer Host Kill It
This year’s Emmy Awards broadcast was the least-watched ever. Saturday Night Live‘s Colin Jost and Michael Che hosted, and many criticized the decision of having two straight men host the first #MeToo-era Emmys. (Not just that, but both Jost and Che have been criticized in the past for transphobic and misogynist jokes.) It’s time for a change, and we think any one of these five potential queer Emmy hosts would not only usher in some inclusivity but could bring a ratings boost as well.
Here are our top five picks to be queer Emmy hosts:
1. RuPaul
Here’s a controversial idea: You know the guy who won “Best Host” this year at the Creative Arts Emmys? Maybe let him host. Seriously, though, RuPaul has had an amazing career in just about all aspects of showbiz. As we’ve seen week after week on Drag Race, Ru knows a thing or two about hosting. Just turn him loose and watch the lowest-rated Emmys turn into a spectacle we wouldn’t miss.
2. Hannah Gadsby
Stand-up Hannah Gadsby presented at this year’s Emmys, handing out the award for Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series, and she even did a brief set playing off those male comedians like Norm MacDonald and, uh, Michael Che, who said that her brilliant Netflix comedy special Nanette wasn’t funny and wasn’t stand-up comedy … even though they hadn’t seen it.
Gadsby’s brief routine included gems like: “The world’s gone a bit crazy. I mean, for somebody like me, a nobody, from nowhere, gets this sweet gig — free suit, new boots — just ’cause I don’t like men! That’s a joke, of course. Just jokes, fellas, calm down. #NotAllMen, but a lot of ’em,” and “No, it is just jokes. But what are jokes these days? We don’t know. Nobody knows what jokes are. Especially not men! Am I right, fellas?” And with a razor-wit like that, she shouldn’t be limited to just one award presentation — she should host the whole shebang.
(And, if you haven’t yet, check out Nanette.)
3. Tituss Burgess
You undoubtedly know him as the scene-stealing Titus Andromedon in The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. But Tituss Burgess is an amazing actor, singer and all-around performer, making him one of our favorite potential queer Emmy hosts. Seriously, wouldn’t you love to see this guy lead the opening number? And the closing number? And everything in between?
4. Tig Notaro
Stand-up comedians often make great hosts, and one of our favorite stand-ups is the immensely talented Tig Notaro. While her delivery is deadpan, her wit leaves you hanging on every word. And who knows, maybe a Tig Notaro-hosted Emmys would end with a performance by the Indigo Girls.
5. Billy Eichner
Billy Eichner‘s no longer just Billy on the Street. With starring turns in Difficult People and American Horror Story, Billy’s on the rise. And with an immense knowledge of pop culture, who better to host TV’s biggest night? Bonus: Since Meryl Streep is joining the cast of Big Little Lies next year, she might be up for an Emmy, giving Eichner a chance to shout at his favorite female idol.
