NBC Hopes ‘Access Hollywood’ Can Kick Life into Emmys

Billy Bush and Maria Menounos will co-host a red-carpet special leading into the awards show on Aug. 29

NBC is hoping to kick some life into the "62nd Primetime Emmy Awards" telecast this year by airing an hour-long red carpet special leading into the show featuring the hosts of NBC Universal's "Access Hollywood."

The entertainment show's co-host Billy Bush and special correspondent Maria Menounos will be joined by interior designer Nate Berkus, who will be starring in his own talk show co-produced by Harpo Productions and Sony Pictures Television, on the special.

"We plan on bringing the same energy, enthusiasm, passion and smarts to the red carpet that we bring to 'Access Hollywood' every day," that show's executive producer Rob Silverstein said in a statement. "The viewers can expect surprises galore, with fashion and style coverage done the 'Access' way."

The awards telecast rotates on the Big 4 broadcast networks each year. Last year on CBS, the telecast drew 13.3 million viewers, but the year before on ABC, it pulled in only 12.2 million viewers, the lowest total ever.

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