The comedian opens up about hosting nerves, Ted Sarandos jokes, and why rich-and-powerful targets don’t keep her up at night
Getting Ready for One of Hollywood’s Most Nerve-Racking Gigs
January 7, 2026: Hosting the Golden Globes is equal parts privilege and pressure — and Nikki Glaser knows it. As she prepares to take the stage, the comedian is leaning into the very thing that built her career: sharp honesty wrapped in fearless humor.
In recent interviews, Glaser shared how she’s approaching the night. She’s writing constantly, punching up material with fellow comics, and fine-tuning pacing so the jokes land without derailing momentum. HOLR breaks down the story here: she treats hosting like a craft — not a free-for-all.
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Why Powerful People Make the Safest Targets
Asked whether she worries about upsetting the industry elite — including Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos and the billionaire crowd likely sitting front-row — Glaser was direct: she doesn’t.
Her reasoning is simple. The wealthiest and most influential people in the room have the thickest armor. They’re insulated, successful, and accustomed to scrutiny. If a punchline stings momentarily, it doesn’t threaten their livelihood or sense of safety.
In her words, comedy should always aim up, not down — and billionaires are as “up” as it gets.
Roasting With Purpose — Not Malice
Glaser emphasized that she isn’t out to humiliate anyone. Instead, she sees roasting as playful accountability — a mirror held up to ego, excess, and the oddities of Hollywood culture.
She crafts jokes that reveal absurdity without cruelty, maintaining a tone that feels spirited rather than mean-spirited. The balancing act: staying edgy while preserving a sense of camaraderie in the room.
HOLR breaks down the story here: audiences today expect humor that’s sharp but socially aware — a skill Glaser has honed across stand-up, television, and podcasting.
Image Credit: Instagram @nikkiglaser
Navigating the Tightrope of Live Television
Hosting a live awards show means no do-overs. Glaser acknowledges the pressure — cameras rolling, celebrities reacting in real time, millions watching at home. But she thrives on that energy, viewing unpredictability as fuel rather than fear.
She also says she trusts the Globes’ producers and writing team, who help test jokes, adjust tone, and anticipate the lines that might feel too pointed. Collaboration, she explains, ensures the show stays entertaining without becoming combative.
A Culture That Loves a Good Roast
Hollywood awards shows have evolved. Polite monologues have given way to satire-driven openings that comment on industry politics, wealth inequality, streaming wars, and ego.
Glaser steps into that legacy — following hosts who weren’t afraid to challenge the room even as they entertained it. Her confidence suggests she understands exactly where the line is, and how to skate right up to it.
Image Credit: Art Streiber/CBS
Why Her Approach Resonates
Fans have responded positively to Glaser’s openness. Many appreciate a host who doesn’t apologize for comedy — especially when the jokes target those with power. As social audiences increasingly critique tone and intent, her clarity about punching upward helps contextualize her humor.
It also reinforces a larger theme: comedy can critique without cruelty, and big rooms full of powerful people are fair game.
What to Expect on Globes Night
Don’t expect Glaser to shy away from streaming politics, billionaire culture, or Hollywood ego. Expect instead a mix of sharp observation, self-aware humor, and strategically placed jabs that remind the room — and viewers — not to take themselves too seriously.
If anything goes sideways, she’ll likely turn it into a bit. That’s the confidence that got her here.
Published by HOLR Magazine