Emmy Producers Promise More Reunions, Jelly Roll Performance During In Memoriam & A Surprise Bit From Jimmy Kimmel For Sunday’s Telecast

Lynette Rice
·3-min read

Expect more reunions — especially a secret one — and a “great moment” with former Emmys host Jimmy Kimmel during the 76th Annual Emmys Sunday.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the producing team said they are trying to inject the same “energy of nostalgia” that took center stage during January’s Emmy telecast by focusing on “characters that you’ve loved from TV over the years.” This year’s show is hosted by Eugene Levy and Dan Levy.

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The producers confirmed a Happy Days reunion, as well as one for Saturday Night Live. We can rule out something involving the 30th anniversary of Friends, however; the producers said it’s not in the cards.

In fact, the focus is not just on old favorite shows but beloved characters, as well.

“Who have been the TV moms that we’ve known and love? Who are the cops, who are the lawyers, who are the villains?” teased Executive Producer Dionne Harmon. “You’ll see all of these names, and it’s not easy to guess because some people have played multiple things, but we’re bringing together groups of characters from over the years to be a part of our presentation moments.”

“We had healthy conversations about who should be those moms, who should be those TV dads, who should be those villains?” added EP Jeannae Rouzan-Clay. “We have this amazing group who will represent the archetypes on television.”

Jelly Roll will perform during the In Memoriam segment. “This is the heart of what we do, which is celebrating each other,” explained Ricky Minor, Music Director. “It’s about setting the tone so that we can rejoice and celebrate. The power is in letting go, and that’s a lesson we all have to learn.”

It doesn’t sound like there’s going to be a pre-taped opening. “Things are going to happen on time with humans, and it’s live,” said EP Jesse Collins, laughing. “Dan and Eugene are going to kick the show off. It’s going to be amazing. It’s going to be incredibly funny, and I think everybody’s going to love it.”

The Levys’ former co-star Catherine O’Hara was confirmed as a presenter.

One thing viewers shouldn’t count on this year is an unexpected appearance by a presidential candidate (or two). “We are celebrating television, and we are inundated every single day with everything going on around the election and the different opinions. We really want this to be a celebratory night,” said Rouzan-Clay. “We’re hoping that everyone will just do the right thing, but we don’t know what people are going to say in their speeches. This is a really important election year that could determine all of our futures. So I wouldn’t be surprised if it came up.”

The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards are Sunday, September 15. ABC will air the show live coast-to-coast starting at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET.

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