Saturday Night Live (SNL) is a beloved live sketch comedy show that has been entertaining audiences for over 45 years. One of the key factors that contribute to its success is the hosting duties of its various cast members and guest stars. In this article, we will delve deeper into the role of the SNL host and explore the reasons behind their selection.
First and foremost, it’s important to note that the host of SNL does not always have to be a celebrity or well-known actor/actress. Many times, the host is one of the show’s current cast members who has demonstrated their comedic abilities through their regular sketches and performances.
For example, in the 2021 season, Kenan Thompson was chosen to host several episodes of SNL as he is a beloved longtime cast member and has been an integral part of the show for over 30 years.
One of the benefits of choosing a host from within the cast is that it allows SNL to tap into their unique comedic strengths and personalities. Each host brings their own unique perspective and energy to the stage, which helps to keep the show fresh and exciting for its audience.
Additionally, having a host who is already familiar with the SNL format and its rules can also help to streamline the production process and ensure that the show runs smoothly.
In terms of selecting guest hosts, SNL looks for actors/actresses who have demonstrated their comedic abilities in other successful projects, such as movies or TV shows. This helps to guarantee that they will be able to deliver a strong performance on the SNL stage and provide entertainment value for the audience.
However, SNL is not afraid to take risks and choose less well-known hosts, as long as they have proven their comedic chops through their work in other areas. One example of this is when SNL chose Andy Samberg to host an episode in 2016.
While he was not a regular cast member at the time, Samberg had been a successful actor/writer/musician and was known for his comedic talents from his time on the sketch comedy show “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.” Despite being a relatively unknown host at the time, Samberg delivered a standout performance and helped to revitalize SNL’s ratings during that season.
Another aspect to consider when choosing an SNL host is their availability. SNL typically airs on Saturdays, which means that hosts must be available on weekends. This can limit the pool of potential hosts, as many actors/actresses have other commitments on weekends.
Additionally, hosts must be willing to commit to multiple episodes, as SNL usually films several episodes in one weekend.
In addition to the host’s comedic abilities and availability, SNL also considers their chemistry with the current cast members. The host must be able to work well with the other cast members and fit in with the show’s tone and style. This is especially important when choosing a guest host, as they may not have worked with the current cast before.
In conclusion, the host of Saturday Night Live tonight is someone who has been chosen based on their comedic abilities and suitability for the role. Whether they are a regular cast member or a guest star, SNL looks for hosts who can bring energy, humor, and entertainment to the stage. By tapping into the unique strengths of its hosts, SNL continues to be one of the most successful and beloved live sketch comedy shows in history.