Nikki Glaser’s comedy career started the way most great things do—with a mix of ambition and sheer terror. At just 18, she stepped onto a stage for the first time, armed with jokes she wasn’t entirely sure would land. Spoiler alert: they did. Growing up in St. Louis, Nikki always had a sharp wit, but it wasn’t until college that she realized she could turn her humor into a career. While her peers were cramming for exams, Nikki was perfecting her punchlines and driving to Kansas City for open mic nights.
Her big break came in 2009 when she performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The call came unexpectedly, and Nikki had to memorize her set in the car on the way to the studio. She nailed it, proving that her years of grinding in small clubs had paid off. That performance opened doors to shows like Conan and Last Comic Standing, solidifying her place in the comedy world. Nikki’s early days weren’t glamorous, but they were the foundation of a career built on authenticity, resilience, and a willingness to laugh at herself—something she’s still doing today.
On January 11, 2026, Nikki Glaser stood under the dazzling lights of The Beverly Hilton, hosting the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards. It was a full-circle moment for the comedian who started her career in small comedy clubs, armed with little more than a microphone and a dream. Known for her razor-sharp wit and fearless humor, Nikki brought her signature style to one of Hollywood’s most prestigious nights, proving that comedy and glamour can, in fact, coexist.
But hosting the Golden Globes wasn’t just another gig for Nikki—it was a milestone. As the first solo female host in the event’s history, she delivered a nine-minute opening monologue that was equal parts biting and brilliant. From poking fun at Hollywood’s obsession with Ozempic to roasting A-listers like Timothée Chalamet and Ryan Reynolds, it was a night that showcased her ability to command a room full of Hollywood’s elite—all while keeping millions of viewers at home thoroughly entertained.
As the first solo female host in Golden Globe's history, Nikki didn’t hold back, delivering a monologue that was as sharp as it was hilarious. From playful jabs at celebrity culture to self-deprecating quips, she struck the perfect balance between roasting and reverence.
One of her best bits was a jab at Marty Supreme, a film about ping pong. "Timothée Chalamet is here for Marty Supreme - he's the first actor in history to have to put on muscle for a movie about ping-pong."
Before stepping onto the stage to host the 82nd Annual Golden Globes on January 5, 2025, Nikki Glaser made a pit stop at one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks: the Empire State Building. On December 17, 2024, the comedian took in the breathtaking views of the city that never sleeps, a fitting backdrop for someone about to take on one of the biggest gigs of her career. It was a moment of calm before the storm—or, in Nikki’s case, before the jokes started flying.
At the 82nd Golden Globes, she did so well that she landed the solo gig in 2026. One joke included, "Some of you may know me from my appearances on roasts, but I'm not here to roast you tonight, how could I? You're all so famous, so talented, so powerful. You can really do anything except tell the country who to vote for." Also, "The Bear, The Penguin, Baby Reindeer, these are not just things found in RFK [Robert F. Kennedy]'s freezer, these are TV shows nominated tonight."
On December 6, 2024, Nikki Glaser swapped her usual comedy club mic for the spotlight of KIIS FM's iHeartRadio Jingle Ball stage at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
The Jingle Ball wasn’t just another gig for Nikki—it was a chance to connect with a broader audience. Sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in music, she held her own, delivering laughs that resonated with both the crowd and the millions tuning in. It was a reminder that comedy, much like music, has the power to bring people together—even if it’s over a shared laugh about the absurdity of holiday shopping.
On December 4, 2024, Nikki Glaser brought her signature humor and authenticity to The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment event at The Beverly Hills Hotel. Speaking to a room filled with trailblazing women from across the industry, Nikki proved that laughter can be a powerful tool for empowerment.
As someone who’s carved out her own space in comedy, a field not always welcoming to women, Nikki’s story served as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and self-belief. Whether she was cracking jokes about the absurdities of Hollywood or sharing heartfelt anecdotes about her career, Nikki left the audience inspired, entertained, and ready to take on the world—one laugh at a time.
In Season 2 of That’s My Jam, Nikki Glaser teamed up with fellow comedian Jay Pharoah to take on Jojo Siwa and Jenna Dewan in a battle of music, games, and hilarity. Whether she was belting out a tune or cracking jokes mid-challenge, Nikki’s energy and humor kept the audience—and her opponents—on their toes.
From playful banter with host Jimmy Fallon to her laugh-out-loud moments with Jay Pharoah, Nikki’s presence added a comedic spark to the high-energy show. While the games may have been unpredictable, one thing was certain: Nikki’s humor was the real winner of the night, if you ask us.
Nikki Glaser brought her quick wit to the Bravo clubhouse during Season 19 of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. In Episode 19075, Nikki joined Andy for a night of candid conversations, hilarious games, and, of course, a little bit of drama.
Whether she was dishing out her opinions on the latest reality TV scandals or answering Andy’s infamous “Plead the Fifth” questions, Nikki’s sharp comedic timing made her a standout guest. By the end of the night, it was clear that Nikki Glaser and Andy Cohen were a match made in late-night TV heaven.
On October 22, 2020, Nikki Glaser took the stage at The Stress Factory Comedy Club in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Nikki tackled everything from relationships to the absurdities of modern life, proving once again why she’s one of the most relatable voices in comedy. Her ability to turn everyday struggles into laugh-out-loud moments made the intimate club setting the perfect venue for her signature style.
Nikki’s set was a masterclass in comedy that reminded everyone why she’s a standout in the industry.
On July 30, 2020, Nikki Glaser brought her quick wit and comedic charm to the celebrity panel of ABC’s To Tell the Truth. Alongside Joel McHale, Oliver Hudson, and Vivica A. Fox, Nikki helped unravel the truth behind a lineup of fascinating contestants, including a U.S. Quidditch champion, a professional cheese sculptor, and even someone who helped catch a serial killer.
As a panelist, Nikki’s knack for reading people and her hilarious commentary made her a standout. Whether she was grilling contestants about their glitter bomb inventions or cracking jokes about N*SYNC nostalgia, Nikki kept the energy high and the laughs rolling.
