Jean Smart, fresh off her triumphant Emmy win for her stellar performance in “Hacks,” is stepping into the spotlight as the guest host for the kickoff of Season 50 of “Saturday Night Live.” This historic episode will air on NBC on September 28, and it marks Smart’s debut as an SNL host. Excitement is already buzzing as the long-running sketch comedy show gears up for its milestone season.
Joining Smart on this special episode is the musical guest Jelly Roll, a rising star who’s been making waves with his unique blend of country and hip-hop. His latest album, “Beautifully Broken,” is set to drop on October 11, just in time to capitalize on the SNL spotlight. For those who tuned into the Emmys, Jelly Roll made a memorable appearance during the In Memoriam segment, adding a touch of his signature style to the tribute.
But that’s just the beginning. The first few weeks of the new season promise a star-studded lineup of hosts and musical acts that span the realms of comedy, music, and film. Nate Bargatze, a familiar face from last season, will be taking the reins on October 5. Ariana Grande, who dazzled as a musical guest last season, will return on October 12, this time as the host. The list continues to impress with Michael Keaton on October 19 and John Mulaney, who’s slated for November 2—the final episode before Election Day on November 4.
Musical guests throughout the season will include some heavyweights like Coldplay, Stevie Nicks, Billie Eilish, and the breakout pop sensation Chappell Roan. It’s shaping up to be a season packed with diverse and electrifying performances that will surely captivate audiences week after week.
Season 50 comes at a particularly intriguing time, set against the backdrop of the presidential campaign featuring Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. This political landscape is bound to provide plenty of material for SNL’s iconic cold opens and sharp parodies. Rumors are swirling that Maya Rudolph might be stepping into the role of Kamala Harris this season, although the show has yet to officially confirm this casting choice. In recent times, cast member James Austin Johnson has been the go-to actor for portraying Trump, bringing his own flair to the role.
With such an impressive roster of hosts and musical guests, not to mention the hot-button political topics that are sure to fuel the show’s sketches, Season 50 of “Saturday Night Live” is poised to be a landmark season. Fans can look forward to a mix of fresh talent and returning favorites, all contributing to what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of comedy and entertainment.
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