The entertainment world is gearing up for the Golden Globes 2026, set to take place on January 11, 2026. In a notable return, sharp-tongued comedian Nikki Glaser will helm the ceremony as host for the second consecutive year. Known for her fearless and biting humour, Glaser is setting a new tone for her performance, with one clear exception: she has decided to keep reality TV star and business mogul Kylie Jenner off her joke list.
The Rule of Respect: Why Jenner Gets a Pass
At 41, Nikki Glaser has outlined a clear principle guiding her material for the high-profile event. Despite Jenner's constant presence in the news—from her billion-dollar businesses to her high-profile romance with actor Timothée Chalamet—Glaser insists she has no interest in crafting jokes at her expense. The reason is not that Jenner is considered untouchable due to her fame. Instead, it boils down to a matter of respect and fairness.
In pre-show interviews, Glaser explained her rationale. She believes it is unfair to target individuals who are not nominated for an award or are not attending the event due to their professional work. As Jenner would likely be a plus-one, making her a punchline feels inappropriate. Glaser's perspective shifted notably after witnessing a genuinely sweet moment between Jenner and Chalamet at the Critics' Choice Awards. That authentic display of affection made the comedian reconsider turning their relationship into a cheap laugh.
Comedy with a Conscience: Glaser's Evolving Approach
This decision reflects a broader, more compassionate style that Glaser is embracing. Speaking to Yahoo Entertainment, she acknowledged the temptation, stating, "There seems to be so much fodder there." However, she added, "I haven't written a joke yet... but that moment between them at the Critics' Choice Awards was so sweet." She observed that public perception of the couple has warmed, and she personally feels a connection to Jenner through The Kardashians, saying, "I feel like she's my friend. I don't want to go hard on her."
This does not signal a completely soft show. Glaser is still preparing plenty of material aimed at nominees and the Hollywood ecosystem at large. Her goal is to deliver comedy that is inclusive, clever, and sharp, yet avoids being mean-spirited. She believes modern audiences connect better with jokes that bring people together rather than alienate them.
Fine-Tuning the Punchlines: A Delicate Balance
Glaser's method involves rigorously testing her jokes at Los Angeles comedy clubs before the big night. She seeks the perfect balance—humour with enough edge to land but not so much that it creates discomfort. This careful calibration extends to other celebrities she admires, such as Julia Roberts and Leonardo DiCaprio.
In a conversation with Gayle King on CBS Mornings, Glaser highlighted the challenge, noting, "You cannot make fun of America's Sweetheart. So, whatever I end up saying about her, that is the most fine-tuned joke that I've worked on so hard, because it is very delicate." Her philosophy is clear: "You have to be very delicate about making jokes that aren't going to ruin anyone's night... But you also want to give the people at home something to laugh at."
Following her successful 2025 hosting debut, which was praised for blending boldness with warmth, Glaser aims to recreate that atmosphere. She wants the 2026 Golden Globes to feel like a lively celebration, not an awkward roast. While she promises not to pull all her punches when it comes to Hollywood's A-listers, her deliberate choice to spare Kylie Jenner marks a thoughtful evolution in awards show comedy, proving that the biggest laughs don't always have to come at someone else's expense.
