What better way to welcome backSaturday Night Liveafterthe WGA strikethan to bring back the series' former golden boyPete Davidson? TheTransformers: Rise of the Beastsstar wasset to host for his first timeearlier this year sincehis 2022 departurebeforeeverything was shut downas the writers prepared to fight for fair wages. Instead, he’s slated to kick off the new season and the post-strike era this weekend and a new promo sees him ready to do the host thing complete with his bestKenan Thompsonface.
Bowen YangandChloe Finemanopen up the promo as they finally return to Studio 8H, recounting what they did during their time off like kids reminiscing about summer vacation. Fineman got acquainted with her birth mom while Yang didwhat many binge-watchers were doingand watched all ofSuits. They’re caught off guard by the sudden appearance of Davidson who’s been living in the studio and snacking on potato chips. As he’s no longer a cast member, he isn’t supposed to be in the studio, but when they tell him that, he just says he’ll do “the host thing.” Just saying “I’ll host” doesn’t work forSNL, but consideringhis years aboard the show, Davidson simply manifests it with a smile and a head-turn akin to his old cast-mate Thompson.
Davidson originally planned to promote his Peacock comedy seriesBupkis, whichSNLbossLorne Michaelsexecutive produced, with his hosting gig. In the time since he was meant to take the reins, however, he’s appeared on the big screen in a host of massive projects includingRise of the Beastsand, most recently, the GameStop short-squeeze comedyDumb Money. 2023 has been a wild year for the star as he also scored brief appearances in two of the year’s biggest blockbusters -Fast XandGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. He’ll be joined in his hosting debut by musical guestIce Spicein her first time on the show.
What Does the Future Hold for ‘SNL’?
SNLwill bereturning for its 49th seasonwith the entirety of its cast in tow including the aforementioned Yang, Fineman, and Thompson alongsideMichael Che,Mikey Day,Andrew Dismukes,Heidi Gardner,Punkie Johnson,Colin Jost, andEgo NwodimwithJames Austin JohnsonandSarah Shermanwho have both been promoted to featured player positions. It’s not often that the series goes a season without at least some cast departures as they pursue a change of pace like Davidson, but it’s heartening to see especially since the season didn’t end as many would’ve hoped. Additionally, the series will get an entirely new featured player in frequentPlease Don’t DestroycollaboratorChloe Troast.
Following Davidson’s hosting debut,Bullet TrainstarBad Bunnywill pull double duty on October 21 as both the host and musical guest. The Grammy-winning Puerto Rican rapper will come into the sketch comedy after appearing in the acclaimed Prime Video featureCassandrowhere he enjoyedsome sweet and spicy scenesoppositeGael García Bernal’s titular exótico lucha libre star.
See Davidson back in Studio 8H whenSNLreturns this weekend on October 14. Check out the promo below.
