When you hire Mariska Hargitay to host the Emmys, the fact that she has a few friends in high places pays off. And that starts with Taylor Swift. "They're genuine friends," executive producer Dionne Harmon said.

Complete with a parade of major hair transformations.

When someone says Mariska Hargitay is the hostess with the mostest, they may be referring to the number of outfits she wore. Hargitay first walked the red carpet in a flowing red sequined gown with one strap hanging off her shoulder.

Hargitay, who is he first woman to host the Emmys in 15 years, was also joined by her husband Peter Hermann and two sons

Here's a sneak peek at Episode 8.

Producers stuffed the first half of the night with awards and attempted to fill the second half with emotional moments, resulting in a strange lopsided effect.

Mariska Hargitay appeared to channel cartoon character Jessica Rabbit with her fire-hydrant-red gown on the Emmys red carpet.