The Television Academy made significant changes to this year’s Emmy Awards ceremony, moving several awards presentations out of the main broadcast to allow for more scripted entertainment, including skits and musical performances. The event took place Monday night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with Mariska Hargitay, best known for her role on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," serving as an unexpectedly chosen host.

While Hargitay displayed enthusiasm and professionalism in her role, critics noted that much of the material written for her fell flat or was uncomfortably awkward. Despite the mixed response to the hosting and additional entertainment segments, the awards presentations themselves stood out as highlights of the evening.

Notable winners included seasoned actors Jean Smart, Allison Janney, and Matthew Rhys, each achieving milestones in Emmy history. The ceremony also featured a farewell performance by comedian Stephen Colbert, marking the conclusion of his late-night show on CBS following its recent cancellation.

Among the evening’s successes was a first-year program from Apple TV+, a horror series that captured attention and praise. Overall, the show’s producers may face reevaluation of their approach to balancing ceremony time between award presentations and entertainment, as reactions to the televised event showed a divide between the audience’s appreciation for the awards and disappointment in the additional content.