Emmys Opening to Include Knicks' Jalen Brunson and Reba McEntire Tribute
The 78th Emmys will open with a pre-taped appearance by New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson. Reba McEntire is set to perform a Dolly Parton song as a tribute. Other planned segments include reunions for 'Charlie's Angels' and 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer.'
The 78th Emmys telecast will begin with a pre-taped bit featuring New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, who shares a friendship with host Mariska Hargitay. Reba McEntire is slated to sing a Dolly Parton song as a tribute to the late entertainer. Other confirmed segments include a “Charlie’s Angels” 50th-anniversary reunion with Jaclyn Smith, Cheryl Ladd, and Kate Jackson, plus a “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” 30th-anniversary tribute with Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz. Noah Kahan will perform “Bridge Over Troubled Water” during the In Memoriam, and Julianna Margulies will present the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award to Michael J. Fox.
This blend of sports cameos, music tributes, and nostalgic reunions may broaden the Emmys’ appeal beyond core TV fans, drawing casual viewers who recognize Brunson or Parton’s legacy. The mix could also reinforce the ceremony’s role as a cultural touchstone, celebrating both current stars and enduring franchises. However, such segments risk overshadowing competitive awards, potentially shifting focus from craft achievements to spectacle-driven moments.