'Saturday Night Live' gears up to wrap up its 49th season with a bang, featuring a blend of familiar faces such as Jake Gyllenhaal and electrifying newcomers like Sabrina Carpenter.
- May 3, 2024
AceShowbiz - The curtain is set to draw on the 49th season of "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), and the show is leaving no stone unturned, heralding the finale with an exciting lineup of hosts and musical guests that blend SNL royalty with fresh talent. As one of the most anticipated events on television, SNL's final episodes are a beacon for not only comedy lovers but also fans of music and celebrity culture.
On May 11, the penultimate episode of the season will see Emmy-winning "SNL" alum Maya Rudolph returning to host for her third time, accompanied by musical guest, Vampire Weekend. The band is making their fourth appearance on the show, bringing their latest album "Only God Was Above Us" to the stage.
Rudolph, who was a full-time cast member from 2000 to 2007, looks forward to her emotional return. Having previously moved to Los Angeles to be closer to her family, Rudolph's comeback is not just a professional engagement, but a homecoming of sorts. Her impressive array of impressions and iconic original characters, including "Bronx Beat" co-host Jodi Dietz, have left an indelible mark on the show's legacy.
The season finale on May 18 will be hosted by Jake Gyllenhaal, marking his third time leading the long-standing sketch show. Rising music sensation Sabrina Carpenter is slated as the musical guest, making her "SNL" debut.
At only 24 years old, Carpenter's recent hit "Espresso" secured her a top 10 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, a feat that coincided with her performances at Coachella and as part of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. Gyllenhaal's participation continues his history with SNL, bringing his unique charm to the stage once more since his debut in 2007.
Another notable highlight of the season was Kristen Wiig's induction into the "Five-Timers Club," a testament to the show's tradition of celebrating its recurrent hosts. Moreover, the upcoming episode featuring Dua Lipa pulling double duty as both host and musical guest underscores the show's ability to attract multifaceted talent.
As "SNL" continues to stream live on NBC and Peacock, its commitment to blending topical humor with star-studded performances remains unwavering. As the 49th season comes to a close, fans are already anticipating what surprises the show will bring next, proving that in its pivotal election year, "SNL" is not just great, it's spectacular.
