Reality TV hosts get their own Emmy category

Just when you thought awards shows couldn't get any longer, The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences announced that reality show hosts are eligible to receive Emmys. This year's 60th Annual Emmy Awards will include a category called Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program.

The academy named popular hosts like Ryan Seacrest, Tom Bergeron, Samantha Harris, and Howie Mandel as possible nominees. Ty Pennington, Tyra Banks, and Jeff Foxworthy are also eligible. I'm not surprised that reality hosts are getting this opportunity. The Emmys have had categories for Outstanding Reality Program and Reality-Competition Program since 2001 and 2003, respectively.

I'm happy that some of reality television's hardworking hosts are getting their due. The hosts of live shows like Dancing With The Stars have particularly tough jobs. On the down side, this means that we'll potentially see even more of Ryan Seacrest on Emmy night. Seacrest hosted the awards last year, after all. We might end up with the following scenario: Seacrest winning an Emmy at an awards show hosted by him, following an E! Emmys Red Carpet Special hosted by him, with commercials featuring Seacrest airing during breaks. Yikes. Fortunately, the Emmys are airing on ABC this year, so this terrifying scenario probably won't happen.

Reality show judges, such as Paula Abdul and Carrie Ann Inaba, are not eligible. Simon Cowell will be furious if Ryan Seacrest wins an Emmy before he does. The 60th Annual Emmy Awards are scheduled for September 21 on ABC.