Mariska Hargitay, known for her dramatic role as Captain Olivia Benson on NBC’s Law & Order: SVU, hosted the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. This marked the first time in 15 years that a woman hosted the show, and it was NBC’s debut as the broadcasting network. Hargitay, a three-time Emmy winner herself, took on hosting duties with a mix of pre-taped celebrity cameos, including NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson and pop superstar Taylor Swift, plus writers from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert crafting much of the comedy content.

The ceremony had its share of highs and lows. Some segments, like Hargitay’s opening monologue and a parody of Nicole Kidman’s notable movie line, were well-received and showed her ability to deliver humor effectively. The “Game of Thrones” inspired skit also stood out as unexpectedly blunt and entertaining thanks to Hargitay’s candid commentary. However, several attempts, particularly musical numbers like the opening “I Love TV Shows” parody and a duet with Andrew Rannells, fell flat and felt awkward or out of place, highlighting Hargitay’s limited comedic background.

One particularly awkward moment occurred during a segment where Hargitay interviewed actors about their first jobs, including Nick Offerman’s eccentric story of being an “erotic painter” of houses. The exchange lacked chemistry and comic back-and-forth, leaving the audience disconnected. Similarly, the long-awaited Law & Order: SVU skit featuring Taylor Swift felt more like promotional material for Swift’s upcoming album than a celebration of television, which was counterintuitive for an event honoring the medium.

Despite mixed reviews, the ceremony ended on a high note with the iconic Law & Order “Dun Dun” soundbite, tying in well with NBC and Hargitay’s connection to the franchise. While she leaned heavily on guests and writers for comedic impact, Hargitay’s presence was respectable and better than some past hosts. Forbes suggests that if Hargitay aims to continue hosting such high-profile events, engaging more with comedic roles could sharpen her skills and enhance future performances.