This year's Golden Globes may have just aired this month, but NBC already has next year's hosts lined up: returning favorites Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Fey and Poehler have a long-standing relationship with NBC, having both worked on network staple Saturday Night Live for several years. Both comedians have also starred in hits for the network: Fey in 30 Rock and Poehler in Parks and Recreation. Their performances on both shows were well-received, with Fey taking home the Golden Globe for Best Actress - Television Series Musical or Comedy twice and Poehler once.
Fey and Poehler first teamed up to host the Golden Globes in 2013. Their first go-round was well-received, leading to turns the following two years. When they step up to the plate in 2021, it will have been six years since they last hosted. Of course, this year's host, Ricky Gervais, is still on viewers' minds, as the 2020 Golden Globes were held just last weekend. This was Gervais' fifth time serving as host of the ceremony. Prior to this year, Gervais last hosted in 2016.
NBC Entertainment Chairman Paul Telegdy made the announcement about Fey and Poehler today during the Television Critics Association Tour, where networks traditionally share news about current and upcoming shows and events. Telegdy called the comedic duo "two of the funniest people on the planet." He also explained the early announcement, reasoning, "we didn’t want to wait any longer to share the great news that they’ll be hosting the Globes once again." NBC also noted that an announcement with an air date for the 2021 ceremony will be made later on.
In addition to their work together on Saturday Night Live and previous hosting gigs, Fey and Poehler have teamed up on several other projects. They co-starred in the 2008 comedy Baby Mama, with Fey playing a mom-to-be and Poehler her surrogate. They reunited on the big screen in 2015 for another comedy film, Sisters. Many of their projects together, including Sisters and last year's Wine Country, have featured other Saturday Night Live alums, such as Maya Rudolph and Rachel Dratch.
Coming off this year's Golden Globes ceremony, where Gervais' stint as host received mixed reviews, it makes sense to return to the solid pairing of Fey and Poehler. The two are recognizable figures who have great comedic chemistry thanks to the many projects they've worked on together. Saturday Night Live stars in general usually make for good awards show hosts; they're used to working on live TV and have lots of experience landing jokes in that environment. Even if the 2021 Golden Globes are a long way off, viewers should be excited to hear that NBC already has a solid hosting team in place.