Stephen Colbert to Host the 2017 Emmy Awards

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Late-night funnyman Stephen Colbert will host the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony, CBS and the Television Academy announced Monday.

Channelling President Donald Trump on his inauguration crowds, Colbert quipped, "This will be largest audience to witness an Emmys, period. Both in person and around the globe."

Jack Sussman, CBS executive vice president of specials, music and live events, praised Colbert's brand of fearless comedy.

"Stephen is the ultimate master of ceremonies with award-winning creative talents, and as we've seen the past few months, he has a fearless passion for live television," said Sussman. "We look forward to honoring television's best while entertaining audiences with the creative energy and sharp comedy of Stephen Colbert."

Though he's won several Emmys, this will be the Colbert's first time as host. This year's ceremony will be held Sept. 17 at the Microsoft Theater in downtown Los Angeles. Nominations for the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards will be announced July 13.

Colbert has hosted "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" since September 2015. Her previously hosted and produced "The Colbert Report" on Comedy Central.

City News Service contributed to this report. Photo: Montclair Film Festival via flickr.com