They got laughs without being polarizing, as was the case with predecessor Ricky Gervais. Poehler even poked fun during the show at the Hollywood debate over whether Gervais was too hard-edged in mocking Hollywood stars.
"We want to assure you that we have no intention of being edgy or offensive tonight," said Poehler, star of the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation.
"Because, as Ricky learned the hard way, when you run afoul of the Hollywood Foreign Press, they make you host this show two more times!"
Fey, whose NBC comedy 30 Rock ended this year, and Poehler were both nominated for best actress in a comedy or musical but lost to Lena Dunham, star of HBO's Girls.
More important than critical support, Fey and Poehler were good for business. The Golden Globes had their best ratings in six years for the most recent presentation, and were up 17 percent over the 2012 show.
- AP