Emmys 2018 Drinking Game: How to Play Along with the Awards Show

It's that time of year again, TV lovers. The 70th Primetime Emmy Awards is set to commence Monday, taking place in the heart of Los Angeles at the Microsoft Theater. The show will be hosted by Saturday Night Live funnymen Colin Jost and Michael Che, so the night is guaranteed to be worthwhile.

Yes, the Golden Globe Awards are considered to be the largest awards party compared to fellow shows of its caliber. The Emmys, however, are an occasion to remember as well since it's the biggest night in television by far. Stars in attendance will be dressed in their best designer frocks, including noteworthy numbers like Blake Lively's crimson red Versace gown from 2009 to Lizzy Kaplan's black-and-white flowing halter dress by Donna Karan Atelier in 2014 to Sarah Paulson's shimmery green embellished Prada look in 2016.

Outfits aside, Hollywood's top-tier talent will hit the most exclusive parties following the show and continue to get their drink on, just as they did with pre-Emmys parties all weekend long. Who said the stars get to have all the fun? In honor of the 70th annual ceremony, Newsweek created the ultimate drinking game for viewers to play along with as they watch Monday's event. Whether you're flying solo or drinking with a group, drink responsibly!

The 70th Primetime Emmy Awards airs at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT) on NBC.

The Ultimate Emmys 2018 Drinking Game
Viewers can party like the stars with this extensive Emmys drinking game by Newsweek. Here, actor Donald Glover is pictured attending the FOX Broadcasting Company, Twentieth Century Fox Television, FX And National Geographic 69th Primetime... Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Take a Sip Whenever...

  • Hosts Michael Che and Colin Jost mock NBC.
  • The #MeToo or Time's Up movements are mentioned.
  • Harvey Weinstein or Kevin Spacey are directly mentioned.
  • Someone's speech is cut off midway due to orchestra music playing them out.
  • Someone mention's President Donald Trump and his administration and/or the repercussions this presidency has had on the world.
  • A presenter messes up their lines.
  • A presenter calls out a mistake on the teleprompter.
  • Someone is spotted visibly losing interest with what's going on onstage.
  • If the La La Land/Moonlight mishap is mentioned, despite this fumble happening one year ago.
  • A winner says "I didn't expect this."

Take a Shot Whenever...

  • A show or actor you like wins in their respective category.
  • Someone trips or falls on their way to the stage to accept their award (i.e. when Jennifer Lawrence tripped up the steps before accepting the 2013 Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Silver Linings Playbook).
  • Hosts Michael Che and Colin Jost recruit fellow Saturday Night Live stars, both current and past, for a skit.
  • A viewer thinks to themselves or says aloud, "Man, I really have to watch that show."

Chug Your Drink Whenever...

  • A moment that occurred has the potential to become a future meme or GIF (i.e. Think: Winona Ryder's 2017 SAG Award reaction).
  • An actor whose been nominated multiple times wins their first-ever Emmy.

Finish Your Drink If...

  • The opening montage is a cold open like on Saturday Night Live.
  • A Saturday Night Live star comes onstage as one of their most noteworthy characters.
  • President Trump hits Twitter to insult an Emmy attendee.
  • Netflix wins more Emmys than HBO.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Dory Jackson is a New York-based entertainment journalist from Maryland. She graduated from Randolph-Macon College—in May 2016—with a focus in Communication ... Read more

To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go