Showtime's 'Desus & Mero' Named Hosts Of TCA Awards

The Television Critics Association (TCA) is proud to welcome comedy duo Desus & Mero—hosts of the popular Showtime series Desus & Mero—as emcees of the 35TH Annual TCA Awards. The popular duo will kick off the night’s festivities in style, putting their trademark quick-witted comedy on full display before turning the mic over to the TCA members, who will award the best performances and series from the 2018-2019 season, as voted on by the organization’s membership of top critics from the US and Canada. The invite-only event will take place at the legendary Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, on Saturday, August 3. Nominees will be announced mid-June.

Daniel “Desus Nice” Baker and Joel “The Kid Mero” Martinez are multi-talented writers, comedians, and television personalities whose bond was forged in the early days of Twitter, where they shared an affinity for complaining about their dissatisfying jobs, coupled with funny pop culture commentary. This  led to successful stints on Complex (“Desus Vs. Mero”) and MTV (“Joking Off”), the start of their hit podcast “The Bodega Boys,” and a daily critically-acclaimed late-night show on Viceland. On February 21, the Bronx natives took their skills to Showtime, premiering the all-new talk show “Desus & Mero,” bringing the duo’s fan-favorite fresh takes and classic wit again to late-night. Twice weekly, Desus and Mero tackle the hottest topics and sit down with an all-star line-up of guests that span the cultural landscape including politicians, athletes, actors, musicians and more.

Desus & Mero are the newest additions to the TCA’s long legacy of all-star hosts, joining former emcees such as Robin Thede, Kristin Chenoweth, James Corden, Terry Crews, Bryan Cranston, Key & Peele, Ellen DeGeneres, Conan O’Brien, Drew Carey, Craig Ferguson, Wanda Sykes, the Smothers Brothers, Nick Offerman, Dax Shepard, and Bob Newhart, among many others.

“Desus & Mero have spent the past decade establishing themselves as fresh, unpredictable forces, as vital in the bodega as in the Beverly Hilton ballroom,” said Daniel Fienberg, TCA President and The Hollywood Reporter Chief TV Critic. “We are honored to have them on hand, as we commemorate a landmark television season and 35 years of the TCA Awards. I can't wait to hear how they kick off the show. Nobody is safe, but as long as Tucker Carlson doesn't win anything, it should be a fun night!”

The TCA Awards is a celebration of the groundbreaking television series and performers whose storytelling, emotion, humor, and authenticity made the 2018-2019 season so memorable. The ceremony bestows honors across 12 distinct categories highlighting achievements in drama, comedy, reality, youth programming, sketch/variety, news and information, and more. As part of the festivities, the TCA will also present the esteemed Heritage Award to one trailblazing series whose impact continues to inspire and influence society; and a special Career Achievement Award given each year to one entertainment icon whose life and legacy has left an indelible mark on legions of performers, writers, and fans. Nominees are carefully selected and voted on solely by members of the TCA. The process is not open to solicitation or submissions.