Jimmy Kimmel Getty Images
The ABC host last had the gig in 2012, during ABC's last time at bat with the telecast.
Broadcast networks typically rotate hosts when they turn at the Emmy telecast, but ABC is looking to follow its last time at bat by asking Jimmy Kimmel for a repeat performance.
The comedian and Jimmy Kimmel Live! host is in very early talks to host the 2016 telecast, sources confirm to The Hollywood Reporter. Discussions come before the network and the TV Academy have even solidified a date for the TV kudos. This news comes just a week after ABC saw a swift change of guard, with Channing Dungey replacing Paul Lee as entertainment president.
Kimmel's one and only time hosting the Emmys was in 2012. The Big Four, which share broadcast rights to the telecast, also ten to share the love among their own network personalities when choosing a host. Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers are NBC's most recent hosts, while other networks pick outside of the late-night pool with sitcom stars such as Andy Samberg (Fox) and Neil Patrick Harris (CBS).
Among ABC's current roster, the only natural contender besides Kimmel is Black-ish star Anthony Anderson. The actor-comedian has hosting cred thanks to multiple times emceeing the NAACP Image Awards. One thing ABC definitely doesn't want to repeat is its 2008 telecast. That year the network tapped reality judges Tom Bergeron, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, Jeff Probst and Ryan Seacrest. It's largely considered to be among the greatest hosting disasters in modern award show history.
Both ABC and the TV Academy are also likely itching to improve the telecast's ratings. The 2015 Emmys sunk to just 11.9 million viewers.
An ABC spokesperson declined to comment on the matter. The news was first reported by Variety.
