Melissa Rivers is set to return to the red carpet for the 2026 Emmy Awards, marking a significant comeback after nearly two decades away from the glamorous event. The television personality, along with her late mother, Joan Rivers, was celebrated for their unique and entertaining red carpet commentary, which she admits had become increasingly serious over the years.
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Reflecting on their decision to step back from red carpet duties, Melissa shared that the atmosphere had shifted dramatically by the time of the 2007 Academy Awards—the last event she attended with Joan. “It was all getting so tense,” she explained. “After one carpet, we just looked at each other and said, ‘Time to walk away.’”
Her return is characterised by a promise to revive the fun, lighthearted elements of celebrity interviews that made her and her mother’s style so beloved. With a clear mission to “bring back the shallow,” Melissa aims to steer the focus back to the excitement of fashion and frivolity that typically accompanies such star-studded gatherings. “If you want to be deep, don’t come and talk to me,” she quipped, emphasising her desire for a return to enjoyable conversations rather than serious discussions.
In her interview with PEOPLE, Melissa elaborated on her approach for the evening. “This is supposed to be an exciting night for the celebrities,” she stated. “They’re beautiful, they’re talented, they’re nominated, and they’re wearing fabulous clothes.” Her enthusiasm reflects a shift back to the core of what red carpet interviews once captured: the glitz and glamour that audiences crave.
Melissa is no stranger to the world of fashion, having co-hosted the popular show Fashion Police alongside her mother from 2010 to 2014. Despite her excitement, she admits to feeling a bit nervous about her return. “I’m pretending my nerves are just excitement,” she said, acknowledging that she does not expect every star to stop for an interview. Nonetheless, she believes that her familiar charm will resonate, hoping that attendees remember her fondly and are enthusiastic about her presence.
The opportunity to return to the red carpet came about quite unexpectedly for Rivers. After contributing to some fashion wrap-up pieces with CNN, she was approached by the network to take on the role of a carpet reporter. “I said ‘Sure!’ Then it hit me on Monday — I’m like, ‘Oh my God, what have I just agreed to?’” she recounted with a mixture of amusement and trepidation.
On a personal note, Melissa also revealed that she will be wearing a striking Balmain dress to the awards. This particular outfit has a significant backstory; she purchased it as a precaution following the devastating fires of January 2025, which resulted in the loss of her home and belongings. Having acquired the dress as a ready-to-wear emergency outfit, she now finds it remarkably fitting for her surprise appearance at the Emmys just days before the event.
The 2026 Emmy Awards ceremony, hosted by Mariska Hargitay, promises to be a memorable occasion. It will air live on NBC and Peacock, allowing fans and audiences to witness the excitement alongside Melissa’s reliving of red-carpet history. CNN and Variety’s Red Carpet Live pre-show will start streaming at 5 p.m. ET, drawing attention to the night’s glamour as they usher in the newest chapter in Melissa’s career.
As Melissa Rivers gears up to embrace the joyful spirit of the red carpet once again, her return signifies a heartfelt homage to the legacy she shared with her mother, Joan Rivers. Their shared love for fashion and fun will undoubtedly shine through, making the event not just a night of awards, but a celebration of style and entertainment in its most vibrant form.