nbc

Few would suggest current SNL Weekend Update team Colin Jost and Michael Che as the segment’s peak, likely putting past pairs like Tina Fey and Jimmy Fallon higher on the list. The two even made an unexpected return to the desk this weekend, but not exactly as we remember them.

Time will tell if SNL manages to up its Season 42 ratings surge with Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, but the latter two weeks of October are shaping up nicely as well. Not only is Emily Blunt confirmed for October 15, but so too will Tom Hanks and Lady Gaga make their SNL returns.

Boy, that SNL train keeps right on chugging today. Following word that Lin-Manuel Miranda (and maybe Emily Blunt) would follow Margot Robbie as this weekend’s Season 42 premiere host, there’s even more breaking news. Jack Donaghy himself, Alec Baldwin will take over the role of Donald Trump, with the first debate promo already online.

SNL is built for a bit of turnover here and there, but that doesn’t remove the sting from losing some of its best not-ready-for-primetime-players. To wit, Season 42 has some surprising departures, including series veterans Taran Killam and Jay Pharoah.

No late-night comedians could easily resist the call of the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, and it looks like SNL will be getting in on the fun as well. Long before Season 42 hits NBC, Colin Jost and Michael Che will bring special editions of Weekend Update to MSNBC for both events.

Just when you thought Fred Armisen’s deleted SNL finale sketch the last of Season 41 to hold you over for summer, in swoops a bonus round of celebrity Star Wars auditions! SNL dusted off the November sketch for another round, this time including Matthew McConaughey, along with impressive impressions the likes of Jennifer Lawrence, Shia LaBeouf and more.

We’ve wondered for a few weeks now if SNL would appoint one or two hosts to finish out Season 41 beyond Room star Brie Larson’s turn this weekend, and the Views are officially in. Not only will Drake host the penultimate hour, SNL great Fred Armisen will lead the season finale.

Magic Mike or no, there simply hasn’t been enough occasion for Channing Tatum or Jenna Dewan Tatum to dance in recent years, let alone together, and NBC desperately seeks to rectify that. The two will shepherd a “fresh take” on a new NBC reality dance competition, both appearing and starring.

SNL has had a steady 2016 with hosts like Adam Driver, Larry David and Melissa McCarthy, but is March looking a little ho-hum? Following Jonah Hill and Future on March 5, SNL confirms that actor/singer Ariana Grande will pull double duty as both host and musical guest for the following week.

With the loss of 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation, NBC has struggled in the sitcom department and fallen far short of their former glory, particularly in the face of FOX’s strong lineup and excellent original content from Netflix, Amazon and other streaming providers. There are potentially great things ahead, however, as the company has ordered pilots from Tina Fey, Mike Schur, Marlon Wayans and DC comics, offering a veritable variety platter of humor that could very well punch-up their sitcom lineup and put them back in the game.

SNL already had our vote with the announcement that Girls and Star Wars star Adam Driver would kick off 2016, and the year’s second host is just as strong a knockout. Ronda Rousey herself will take the SNL stage in late January, joined by Selena Gomez, while Driver’s musical guest has been revealed as well.

Ever the human punchline, Donald Trump has braved some of his staunchest comedy critics in pursuit of the 2016 presidency. The blowhard billionaire even made headlines with which SNL player would tackle the role in Season 41, but all bets are off when “The Donald” himself hosts an upcoming November outing.