According to The New York Times , Ricky Gervais will be hosting the 2016 Golden Globes again despite his vow to never return to the gig. The news came a week after Chris Rock, another comedian known for his penchant for controversy, was named host of the Oscars by NBC.
Last year, Gervais claimed, "No one wants to hear me make fun of you rich, old celebrities." However, it appears he has not tired of the shtick.
Robert Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment, said in a statement, "Disarming and surprising, Ricky is ready to honor - and send up - the best work of the year in film and television. Fasten your seat belts."
This will be the fourth time Gervais has hosted the awards show, after his first appearance in 2010. Gervais soon became popular for his scathing criticisms of Hollywood, religion, celebrity, and the Golden Globes themselves. His comments were often so controversial that many assumed he'd never be invited back.
Gervais apparently assumed the same, writing on his blog in 2012, "I've told my agent to never let me be persuaded to do [The Golden Globes] again."
He has made no public indication as to why he changed his mind, or why NBC thought it best that he return instead of a new host.
While Mr. Gervais delivered strong ratings when he was host, he brought in fewer viewers in his last telecast than Tina Fey and Amy Poehler did in theirs. About 16.8 million people watched his 2012 Golden Globes, while about 20.9 million people watched their 2014 ceremony.
Many critics have complained that Gervais's material has become stale, and the gig should be given to someone else. Gervais himself seemed to share that opinion, but perhaps has prepared new, fresh material to answer to the criticism.
