Stephen Colbert to Make Debut Hosting 69th Primetime Emmy Awards

We’ll have a new face hosting the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards this September—Stephen Colbert—CBS and the Television Academy announced today.

Colbert, who took the reins of CBS’ The Late Show in 2015 when David Letterman retired, will step into the master of ceremonies spot for the first time for the event when it airs on CBS on Sunday, Sept. 17, from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

“We’re excited to kick off the new season and celebrate the top achievements in television with Stephen Colbert as host of the Primetime Emmys,” said Jack Sussman, executive vice president, specials, music and live events, CBS Entertainment. “Stephen is the ultimate master of ceremonies with award-winning creative talents, and as we’ve seen the past few months, he has a fearless passion for live television. We look forward to honoring television’s best while entertaining audiences with the creative energy and sharp comedy of Stephen Colbert.”

Television Academy chairman and CEO Hayma Washington added, “We are thrilled that Stephen Colbert will be bringing his Emmy-winning comedic talent to hosting this year’s Emmy Awards. He’s a formidable showman and we are delighted to begin working with him and the entire CBS team.”

“This will be the largest audience to witness an Emmys, period,” said Stephen Colbert. “Both in person and around the globe.” Colbert recently hosted the 39th Annual Kennedy Center Honors last month on CBS, and also hosted a live post-election special on Showtime in November.

Nominations for the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards will be announced on July 13 from the Academy’s Wolf Theatre at the Saban Media Center.

69th Primetime Emmy Awards, Sunday, Sept. 17, 8pm Live, CBS