Andy DehnartThe Amazing Race is fast becoming the reality TV version of Third Rock from the Sun, Friends, or Will and Grace, a show that keeps winning Emmys even after it starts to suck. Despite the fact that this past year featured the show’s weakest season to date–the family edition–the CBS series won its fourth consecutive Emmy in the reality competition category last night.
The reality competition award was presented by Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, both of whom mocked the pre-scripted descriptions of even the lamest categories. Stewart told Colbert, “Award show banter is not pablum. Reading. Reality television celebrates the human condition but illuminating what’s extraordinary in the ordinary.”
Colbert responded, “It warps the minds of our children and weakens the resolve of our allies!” Jon Stewart, pretending to look increasingly despondent about the scripted dialogue, said, “The results are often dramatic and always unexpected. We’re here to honor achievement in that category.”
“To give you a golden idol to worship. Kneel before your god, Babylon!” Colbert replied. They then presented the award to Jerry Bruckheimer and Bertram Van Munster, neither of whom apologized for season eight.
Meanwhile, Kathy Griffin, who lost her bid for an Emmy last weekend, walked the red carpet, and seemed to act as if she didn’t yet know if she’d won or lost. Having been fired from hosting E!’s red carpet coverage, Kathy said, “I moved on! It was totally my choice, too. I’m a nominee.” Then she threw back to new host Ryan Seacrest, saying in a disgusted tone, “Back to you, Seacrest. Ugh.”