SNL seems to be cementing a new approach to promos after Benedict Cumberbatch last week, so if you’re looking for laughs this morning, you may not find them here. Watch the Chappelle’s Show host make a dramatic entrance in our first taste of this weekend’s SNL debut.
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 fans are still reeling the loss of Taran Killam and Jay Pharoah (well, and Jon Rudnitsky), but little did we know, the pair already had backup plans. Showtime confirms that Killam will lead new comedy Mating, while Jay Pharoah lands the lead role in Jamie Foxx comedy White Famous.
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.