The Jokes Nikki Glaser Couldn’t Say at the Golden Globes—Too Hot for TV
Comedian Nikki Glaser, who lit up the stage as the host of the 2025 Golden Globes, shared behind-the-scenes insights on The Howard Stern Show about the bold jokes that didn’t make it to air. Known for her sharp wit and fearless delivery, Glaser revealed a mix of hilarity and restraint during her monologue preparation.
Glaser, 40, opened the night celebrating what she humorously dubbed “Ozempic’s biggest night,” poking fun at Hollywood’s fascination with trends. However, she admitted to Stern that her more daring material had to be shelved. “Every joke was memorized, but some were too risky for the live audience,” she said, highlighting the careful balance between humor and sensitivity.
The Jokes That Almost Stole the Show
Nicole Kidman’s Wild Side:
One of the axed jokes targeted Golden Globe nominee Nicole Kidman. Glaser joked, “‘The Wild Robot’ is nominated tonight, and by that, I mean Nicole Kidman after two white wines.” Though Glaser believed Kidman might have appreciated the humor, she acknowledged the unpredictable nature of live reactions.
Alec Baldwin’s Ghostly Absence: Referencing Michael Keaton’s performance in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Glaser quipped, “Alec Baldwin sadly did not come back to play a ghost because he was too busy making them.” The joke, though darkly comedic, was deemed too provocative for the live broadcast.
Nicolas Cage and Elvis’ Coffin:
Another unused zinger featured multiple Golden Globe winner Nicolas Cage: “Nicolas Cage is here tonight looking well-rested after a night of sleeping in Elvis’ coffin.” While undeniably clever, the joke was left out in favor of other material.
Dax Shepard’s Podcast Ambitions:
Glaser also joked about Dax Shepard’s prolific podcast career, saying, “The Golden Globes is the only show where you can see the biggest stars in movies and TV come together with the same goal: escaping before Dax Shepard asks them to do his podcast.”
The Unspoken Diddy Mention:
Sean “Diddy” Combs, currently facing serious legal charges, was another subject of a bold punchline: “This is the last time all of you will be in the same room before the Diddy trial.” Glaser explained, “You only get one Diddy mention, and we chose a different joke that worked better.”
Comedy’s Fine Line
While some of these jokes were too edgy for television, they highlight the challenges of hosting a high-profile awards show. Balancing humor that resonates with the audience while avoiding controversy is no easy task.
Glaser’s decision to keep the riskier material for Stern’s show showcases her comedic agility and respect for the context of her audience. Reflecting on the experience, she said, “It’s all about reading the room and knowing what will land and what might get you canceled.”
A Night to Remember
Nikki Glaser’s Golden Globes debut wasn’t just a celebration of Hollywood’s biggest stars; it was a testament to the art of comedy in an era of heightened sensitivity. Whether riffing on A-listers or sharing her cutting-room-floor gems, Glaser reminded the world why she’s one of the sharpest voices in comedy today.