Andy Samberg spent seven years on NBC's "Saturday Night Live," yet he still feels some "anticipation" when having to go live. The "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" star will do just that when he hosts the 67th annual Emmy Awards on Sunday.
No stranger to live television, Samberg has also found himself on the award show circuit recently both as a performer and as a recipient. In 2004, he won a Golden Globe for his portrayal as Jake Peralta on his Fox comedy. He also dressed as "Game of Thrones" character Joffrey Baratheon at last year's Emmys in segments with Weird Al Yankovic and Lena Heady, who stars on the HBO fantasy drama.
Hosting the Emmys may seem a daunting task for any performer, but the affable Samberg "said yes right away" when approached for the gig.
"Doing the show itself is really fun," he told Headlines & Global News and small group of reporters recently. "I'll just try to not look at the Internet for a week afterwards."
His friend and fellow "SNL" alum Seth Meyers hosted the ceremony last year, so Samberg was sure to pick his brain for a few tips.
"I was talking to Seth Meyers who hosted last [years]. He just said it was a blast. I've asked him a couple little things here and there," he revealed.
What Samberg actually has in store for viewers will have to wait and be seen on Sunday, but the host promised to make it as funny as he possibly could. "My rule is if I think it's funny I'll always go for it," he said, laughing.
An Emmy winner already for his music and lyrics from the "SNL" sketch "Dick in a Box," Samberg received another nomination this year for his part in helping to write the "Saturday Night Live: 40th Anniversary Special." Unfortunately, he and the other writers already lost the category at last week's Creative Arts Emmys, but Samberg said he'll be "holding out to see if I get an honorary one for hosting."
The 67th annual Primetime Emmy Awards will air on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. on Fox and check out more of our interview with Samberg below.
Has hosting the Emmys always been an ambition for you?
So many incredible comedians do these shows and looking at the pedigree of past hosts, it's such an honor to be asked.
How old were you when you started paying attention to the Emmy awards?
Probably in college. My folks weren't huge Emmy watchers but I've always been aware of them and shows like the Oscars.
Have you been getting any advice from past hosts?
I've noticed them recently and more since I've gotten into comedy seeing people like Conan O'Brian, Jane Lynch and Seth Meyers are people I really respect.
Is this more nerve-racking than other performances you've done?
Not yet, but when it comes closer to the night it probably will be. Although, I did seven years of "SNL" and that's live in front of millions of people so...
Have you thought about your brand of comedy versus what the Emmy Awards show requires? David Letterman took some blows for doing the Oscars his way in 1995. Is that a concern?
I think there's a fine line. I like things a little weirder than maybe the broadest version of the show, from a hosting perspective. But I feel like it's been 10 years since I first started on "SNL" and I have a little better gauge on what I can get away with to a bigger audience than a small one.
How do you navigate that gauge and know where to rein it in versus go all out?
If everyone's laughing I tend to say, "Let's go all out." That's always my barometer. Sometimes there's something you know is funny in the room but it's going to push the wrong buttons and you don't want to put that out there because it's not worth it if people don't respond well. So the main editing process, besides what everyone thinks is funny, is making sure you don't piss people off or do something that's insensitive.
With something as live as the Emmys, are you given free rein or do you have to stick to a script?
It's more or less on script, I think we'll try and play the room as it comes. If interesting things happen I'll hopefully comment on those because I always enjoy when hosts do that.
Is it exciting for you to work through those jokes in the moment?
Without a doubt. You never know and I keep saying this but if it feels right to do it. I think there's a danger in wanting to force those things and then people are like, we didn't really care about that moment that you are harping on.
What's the thrill of live television for you?
If it goes well, it's the thrill that you didn't fail. Absolutely there is an adrenaline rush to it, but generally I'm just focused on not screwing up like don't ruin this joke and when it goes well, you have relief. I'm always nervous until I get the first laugh, then I can relax.
Can we expect musical numbers during the show?
I really hope so. I've had good success with music stuff in the past but it has to be the right idea.
What can you tell us about the new season of "Brooklyn Nine-Nine?"
I'm really happy to be back and my good friend Bill Hader is coming in as the captain. I can't say anything more about it other than he's coming to the show, so I'm sticking to that because I don't want to get fired. But he will bring his patented brand of Bill Hader humor.
Where does the show pick back up?
It picks up from the moment we left off last season, so it's kind of like "Karate Kid 1" and "Karate Kid 2."
