US EditionGolden Globes host Nikki Glaser struggles with Julia Roberts and Venezuela while building monologue
Nikki Glaser is fine-tuning her Golden Globes monologue to balance roast jokes with respect for Julia Roberts and other A-listers, testing material in L.A. comedy clubs.
- Nikki Glaser is testing material in Los Angeles clubs and at a CBS studio lot ahead of her Jan. 11 hosting at the Beverly Hilton for the 2026 Golden Globes.
- Facing audience demand for roasts, Glaser must also protect nominees' nights, taking a more covert approach this year due to nominations for Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Sean Penn.
- Live feedback in clubs and at the CBS lot directs which bits survive to the telecast, with Nikki Glaser testing jokes in Southern California comedy clubs and texting Benny Blanco last year for approval on a harsh quip.
- Past viral success and raves heighten expectations and scrutiny for Nikki Glaser, comedian, whose previous Roast of Tom Brady performance earned raves and helped secure her hosting gig last year, though club audiences booed even mild Julia Roberts jokes.
- Topical references like Venezuela present a risk because many audience members may not follow them, and Nikki Glaser discarded a 'Pluribus' joke while revising material until showtime.
47 Articles
47 Articles
Golden Globes Host Nikki Glaser Reveals the One Star She’s Afraid to Roast
Yes, even comedians have limits Nikki Glaser is known for going straight for the jugular when it comes to Hollywood’s biggest stars. But ahead of this year’s Golden Globes, the returning host admits there’s one celebrity she’s officially afraid to joke about. That person? Julia Roberts. During a recent interview with CBS Mornings, Glaser revealed that Roberts, who’s nominated this year for After the Hunt, is completely roast-proof. “You Can’t Ma…
Nikki Glaser (41) returns on Sunday as host of the Golden Globes. The comedian is best known for her ruthless jokes, but an actress probably doesn't have to worry about it. As a guest at CBS Mornings, she told moderator Gayle King (71) that the audience in Los Angeles immediately reacted negatively at test appearances when she pitched a punch line about Julia Roberts (58). "You can't make fun of America's favorite," Nikki said and said, "They bo…
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