While crews worked diligently to prepare the Peacock Theater for Monday's 78th Annual Emmy Awards, host Mariska Hargitay radiated enthusiasm during the blue carpet rollout and press preview. After nearly three decades immersed in the intense world of crime investigation on NBC’s Law & Order franchise, Hargitay expressed her excitement for this new venture.

"What I’ve done, the material that I’ve been living in, it’s hard and it takes a toll," Hargitay told Deadline. "So to do something completely different, I’m telling you, I count the moments to get in the room with [the Emmys writers], and it’s been soul filling."

Hargitay isn't just hosting; she's also executive producing the telecast alongside Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay of Jesse Collins Entertainment. Harmon revealed that Hargitay’s hosting approach will be "a complete 180 from Olivia Benson." Collins playfully suggested, "The show should be called like Mariska Unleashed."

Hargitay marks a significant choice, being the first woman to helm the show in 15 years. Her background as a drama actress also sets her apart from the typical awards show hosts, who are often late-night hosts or stand-up comedians. Despite this, the producing team is confident in her comedic abilities. "Everyone’s been saying she’s not a comedian, but I think we feel otherwise," Rouzan-Clay added, "She’s kind of a comedian."

The Jesse Collins Entertainment trio also hinted at other exciting moments during the live ceremony, confirming previously rumored reunions for beloved series like Charlie’s Angels and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Additionally, Collins shared that Noah Kahan is slated to perform Paul Simon’s classic “Bridge Over Troubled Water” during the in memoriam segment.

Addressing the minor controversy surrounding the decision to present some acting, writing, and directing categories during a non-televised ceremony over Labor Day weekend, Collins explained that this move allows for more breathing room in the main broadcast. "[It’s] really giving our hosts time to truly host the show," he said, emphasizing that presenters will also have more time. "We’re just trying to make it so that the show has a great pace…and really just make the show feel different." He concluded, "It’s a very tough thing, and the decisions were made, and we think in the end people will see that they were the right choices, and the show will be great."