Last night's Golden Globes took an unexpected turn when stand-up comedian Jo Koy delivered a monologue that didn't quite hit the mark. However, despite the less-than-stellar performance, Koy remains a popular talent with a massive following. In fact, he has not one, but two upcoming specials on Netflix, including one that was filmed just last November in Brooklyn. With millions of dedicated fans and a busy touring schedule, Koy's career is far from being derailed by one misstep.
The Golden Globes themselves saw a significant increase in viewership, growing by a staggering 50% and averaging 9.4 million viewers. This growth is particularly noteworthy considering the show's decline in popularity in 2023. While Koy's mishap may have stung a bit, it is important to remember that he was performing on a global platform, and hosting an awards show is a much different challenge than crafting a stand-up routine.
For many Filipino Americans, Koy's participation in the Golden Globes was a proud moment, as their community is often overlooked in Hollywood. However, it should be noted that the show initially erroneously claimed that Koy and his co-stars were the first Asian actors to win a Golden Globe for a limited series. In reality, Darren Criss, who is half-Filipino, won the award in 2019 for his role in 'The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.'
Known for his humorous and wild stories about his family, Filipino culture, and parenthood, Koy's brand of comedy is distinct to his stand-up performances. Adapting to the expectations of a tough Hollywood crowd proved to be challenging for the comedian, especially with the quick turnaround time from his announcement as the host in December.
Though it may not have been appropriate for Koy to blame his writers when his jokes fell flat, it was clear that nerves got the best of him during the telecast. It became evident that the routine was not resonating with the audience, and perhaps a more personal approach would have been more successful. It's worth noting that hosting an awards show is no easy task, and only a few individuals excel in this role. Seasoned talk-show hosts like Jimmy Kimmel and Trevor Noah are examples of those who can navigate the challenges effortlessly.
The question arises whether there is even a need for a host when there are dozens of awards to be presented during a limited telecast time. Viewers on social media noted that Koy seemed to disappear after his opening monologue, leading to jokes that he had been fired mid-show. This is a common challenge when trying to accommodate numerous awards in a condensed program, which is why the SAG Awards have opted for no host this year.
Despite Koy's performance, the Golden Globes telecast managed to capture the essence of the show, featuring memorable moments and unexpected surprises. Producers Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss introduced innovative elements, such as a circular stage that allowed for unique camera shots and perspectives. The chemistry between Andra Day and Jon Batiste, as well as a comical dance break by Kristen Wiig and Will Ferrell, provided some of the highlights of the evening.
Overall, despite the changes in ownership, network, and production team, the Golden Globes felt like the familiar show that it has always been. And with the ratings witnessing an uptick, it's safe to say that both Jo Koy and the Golden Globes will rebound from this minor setback and continue to thrive in their respective fields.
