Get Ready For The Biggest Night In TV

Television's biggest and longest night is upon us. The Emmys are back for the 66th year with Seth Meyers as our host. The telecast will air on August 25th at 8 p.m. ET and 5 p.m. PT. If you've read that date correctly you'll notice that the date is an odd one for an awards telecast. That's right. The Emmy Awards are on a Monday night this year. Now before we get into how odd and inconvenient this is to your nightly television schedule, just know one thing: Teen Wolf is airing on Sunday this week, so you can totally watch this telecast. Plus, if you don't watch, how will you know that Jim Parsons has won Best Actor in a Comedy for the zillionth time?

In all seriousness, one of the best parts about watching The Emmys is not the awards, it's not even the acceptance speeches, though there have been some great ones in the past — anyone remember Merritt Weaver's five-second acceptance from last year? No, the best part of the watching The Emmys is to see if the host will be entertaining enough to keep up engaged in a telecast that usually runs 30 minutes too long. And this year with the awards on a Monday, the host's job is more important than ever. That being said, I think it's time to give Seth Meyers a little advice on how to stay entertaining.

1. Be Edgy And Not Boring Or Offensive

We all want to see people in the industry get taken down a few notches so making fun of celebs is always a highlight. Being boring is certainly much worse than going a bit over the top (see: Anne Hathaway vs. James Franco at the Oscars). But there's a big difference between jokes and insult, and finding the line is important.

2. No Musical Numbers

Musical numbers usually only work in three scenarios:

1. When the host has lots of musical talent a la Hugh Jackman at the Oscars or Neil Patrick Harris at the Tonys.

2. When it's used for comedic effect like Jimmy Fallon's hilarious Glee parody at the Emmys in 2010.

3. At the Tony's because there it just makes sense.

3. Don't Bring Too Many People Onstage With You

We don't want a repeat of the year that the reality show hosts hosted the Emmys together. Ryan Seacrest, Howie Mandel, Jeff Probst, Tom Bergeron and Heidi Klum do not mix.

4. Don't Be Afraid To Make Fun Of Yourself

Audiences love self-deprecating humor. Why do you think people like Louie C.K. are so popular and hilarious? Conan O'Brien's TV parodies from previous Emmy's telecast are the perfect blend of poking fun at TV and himself.

5. Let The Presenters Be Entertaining, Too

This is great for hosts as it gives them a break from constantly having to lift the mood and energy back up after every commercial break or boring speech.

Images: Rodolfo Martinez/NBC