Mariska Hargitay traded Olivia Benson’s blazers for glitter and glamour as host of the Emmys 2026 Monday night, cycling through twelve outfit changes — and nearly as many wigs — from the red carpet through to the final number.

Producers stuffed the first half of the night with awards and attempted to fill the second half with emotional moments, resulting in a strange lopsided effect.

Mariska Hargitay will host the ceremony in Los Angeles, where Jean Smart and Matthew Rhys are chasing milestones, and Apple TV hopes to lead in awards for the first time.