> At a Glance
> – Nikki Glaser says test crowds boo any Julia Roberts joke ahead of Jan. 11 Globes
> – Comedian vows “delicate” approach for A-listers like Roberts, DiCaprio, Penn
> – She’s ditching pre-approval texts and will “ask for forgiveness at the afterparty”
> – Why it matters: Shows how tough it is to roast beloved stars without backlash
Nikki Glaser is sharpening her jokes for the Jan. 11 Golden Globes, but one target is already off-limits. After testing material at L.A. clubs, the host discovered that even a gentle swipe at Julia Roberts brings instant boos.
The Roberts Rule
Glaser told Gayle King on CBS Mornings Jan. 6 that crowds shut down any Roberts punchline.
> “You cannot make fun of America’s Sweetheart. So, whatever I end up saying about her, that is the most fine-tuned joke that I’ve worked on so hard, because it is very delicate.”
The 41-year-old added that the backlash was so fierce she wondered, “Is she here?”
New Strategy for A-Listers
With Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn nominated, Glaser is shifting to “covert” humor in her second year hosting.
- She calls herself a “veteran” who can tease younger stars
- Admits it’s harder to joke about people she “grew up admiring”
- Says she must balance giving viewers laughs without “ruining anyone’s night”
No More Pre-Show Texts
Last year she texted Benny Blanco before mocking his romance with Selena Gomez. This year she’s skipping the heads-up.
> “I don’t even know if Leo has a phone… I would rather ask for certain forgiveness later at the afterparty when they’re drunk.”
Key Takeaways
- Test audiences protect Roberts’ “America’s Sweetheart” status
- Glaser’s monologue will use subtler jabs at veteran icons
- She’s abandoning pre-approval to keep edgier material
- The balancing act: entertain viewers without angering nominees
The Globes host faces the classic roast dilemma-fans want A-list jokes, just not about their favorites.
