Season 50 of the long-running NBC series will also see Michael Keaton and John Mulaney hosting, with Billie Eilish and Chappell Roan serving as musical guests.
- September 19, 2024
AceShowbiz - Jean Smart, celebrated for her role as Deborah Vance in HBO’s "Hacks", is set to host the season premiere of "Saturday Night Live" on September 28. This marks Smart’s debut as an "SNL" host. Joining her will be Grammy-nominated singer Jelly Roll, also making his debut as the musical guest for the night.
Smart's hosting gig follows her recent triumph at the Emmys, where she clinched her third award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Her acclaimed performance in "Hacks" continues to resonate with audiences and critics alike, further establishing her as a powerhouse in the world of comedy.
The 50th season of "SNL" promises to be an affair to remember, with year-long celebrations that include special guest appearances throughout the season and a three-hour anniversary special slated to air live in primetime on Sunday, February 16. A star-studded lineup of hosts has been announced for the initial episodes. Following Jean Smart, stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze will make a swift return as host, with Coldplay as the musical guest. On October 12, Ariana Grande will take the helm, accompanied by musical guest Stevie Nicks, making her second appearance on the show after nearly 40 years.
The following week, Michael Keaton is set to host for the fourth time, with Billie Eilish as his musical guest. After a brief hiatus, "SNL" writing-staff alum John Mulaney will host on November 2, with Chappell Roan making her musical guest debut.
This season also marks some changes within the show's cast. Punkie Johnson, Molly Kearney and Chloe Troast have all announced their departures ahead of the new season. Despite these changes, the upcoming season promises to uphold the tradition and quality that "SNL" fans have come to expect.
"Saturday Night Live" will continue its tradition of airing live coast-to-coast (11:30 P.M. ET/8:30 P.M. PT) and streaming live on Peacock. The show, produced in association with Broadway Video, is created and executive produced by Lorne Michaels.
Adding to the nostalgia, the history of "SNL" was recently fictionalized in the biopic "[r=Saturday Night]", starring Gabriel LaBelle as creator Lorne Michaels. Directed by Jason Reitman, the film premiered at TIFF and captures the vibe of the show's first-ever live taping on October 11, 1975.
The milestone 50th season of "Saturday Night Live" is shaping up to be a historic celebration of comedy, music, and television, making it a must-watch for fans old and new.
