Nikki Glaser Says There’s One Star You Can’t Roast — Julia Roberts — as She Prepares to Host Golden Globes
Los Angeles, California (Times Media Service) — Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser says testing monologue jokes in LA clubs taught her one rule: don’t roast Julia Roberts, whose fiercely protective fans booed any jabs, prompting careful fine‑tuning ahead of Sunday’s ceremony.
- Nikki Glaser returns to host the Golden Globes in Los Angeles this Sunday after earning strong reviews as the first woman to host the show solo last year — source: Fox News.
- She tested monologue lines in LA comedy clubs and said crowds booed any jokes about Julia Roberts — see the interview Video.
- Glaser called Roberts “America’s sweetheart” and said jokes about her must be “fine‑tuned and delicate,” so she has tempered material for the live show (Fox News).
Testing jokes in front of Los Angeles audiences
Nikki Glaser’s remark about Julia Roberts came during a promotional appearance on CBS Mornings, where she described taking her monologue to local comedy clubs for real‑time feedback. She said the response to Roberts jokes was immediate and intense.
“I’m trying out my monologue around LA at the clubs here, and just even any joke about Julia Roberts, they are not there for it,”
— Nikki Glaser on Video of her CBS Mornings interview
Glaser said crowds booed so strongly she wondered, “Is she here?” — a reaction that convinced her to pull back on material that would likely sour the night for attendees and nominees. The clip of the interview is available online (Video).
Why Julia Roberts? The power of a beloved image
Glaser’s characterization of Roberts as “America’s sweetheart” explains the protective audience reaction. Roberts’s long career and warm public image have created widespread affection that can mute satire, especially in a city where celebrity culture is woven into daily life.
Comics testing material must weigh whether a joke is worth the risk of a negative response; Glaser chose restraint, signaling a strategic decision to avoid alienating the room while still aiming for sharp laughs (Fox News).
The craft of testing material in Los Angeles clubs
Testing monologue lines in local clubs is standard awards‑show prep. For a host like Glaser, club audiences provide immediate feedback on what lands and what bombs. The booing of Roberts jokes gave her real‑time proof those lines would not work on the Golden Globes stage.
She contrasted this approach with celebrity roasts — events where leaving “the mean” is expected — explaining that the Golden Globes require a different balance: incisive humor that doesn’t “ruin anyone’s night in the room” (Fox News).
Context: Glaser’s return and industry attention
Glaser’s first solo hosting turn at the Golden Globes last year made headlines — she was the first woman to host the show alone and earned generally positive reviews. That history raised expectations for her return and spotlighted how she balances edge with empathy on a high‑profile broadcast.
Her comments about Roberts add a behind‑the‑scenes detail about how hosts fine‑tune material for a star‑studded, sensitive room; as Gayle King observed in the interview, “Julia is everywhere,” a visibility that makes her a risky subject for broad ridicule (Video).
Implications for California
Economic impact: The Golden Globes bring direct spending to Los Angeles — hospitality, transportation, catering, stage crews and broadcast workers benefit. Glaser’s return can raise hotel occupancy, restaurant business near the venue and short‑term hiring for production crews. Local comedy clubs that hosted her rehearsals may see increased interest.
Political consequences: While jokes rarely spark formal political action, how awards shows treat sensitive targets factors into broader debates over free speech and civility. Glaser’s restraint signals attention to audience sensibilities and community standards in high‑visibility events.
Social effects & cultural relevance: The reaction to Roberts highlights how celebrity affection crosses demographics in California. In Los Angeles — the heart of celebrity culture — certain stars occupy a special status that can make them off‑limits for broad ridicule in mainstream settings.
Practical applications: Locals should expect increased traffic, temporary road closures, heightened security and a hospitality demand surge during the show. For businesses and neighborhoods near the venue, the event brings short‑term disruption and revenue.
Sources and further reading
More on Glaser’s approach and the Golden Globes will surface as Sunday’s show unfolds and clips circulate online. Her club testing offers a revealing look at how hosts navigate live television, audience tastes and the special status of stars like Julia Roberts.
