Comedian Stephen Colbert kicked off this year’s 69th Primetime Emmy Awards with a nod to the first responders working after Hurricanes Harvey and Irma hit the United States.
“Nobody deserves more thanks right now than our first responders,” Colbert said at the start of Sunday’s show. “They have been working tirelessly following the disasters in Texas and Florida, and we have to thank also the friends who showed up with the food, the neighbors with boats, the nuns with chainsaws, and the complete strangers who stepped up to help rebuild.”
Colbert, who is hosting this year’s awards ceremony, also took a dig at President Trump and his television-watching habits at the beginning of the show.
“There were over 450 original scripted shows made this year. Of course there is no way anyone could possibly watch that much TV other than the president who seems to have a lot of time for that sort of thing,” he said. “Hello, sir, thank you for joining us. Looking forward to the tweet.”
Hurricane Harvey hit parts of southeastern Texas last month, bringing record rainfall and devastating flooding to Houston and other parts of the state.
Hurricane Irma hit Florida this month, devastating the Florida Keys and leaving millions without power.
