Saturday night live chose a familiar face to open his 49th season — Pete Davidson!
NBC announced on Wednesday that it Bupkis star will make his highly-anticipated debut as host, joined by musical guest Ice Spice, during the fall premiere of sketch comedy Mainstay on October 14.
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The 29-year-old comedian — who left from Saturday night live 2022 after eight seasons — was set to host an episode last May, but was canceled due to the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, which ended last week.
“Previously announced Saturday night live host Pete Davidson and musical guest Lil Uzi Vert has been canceled due to the writers’ strike,” NBC confirmed in an announcement at the time. “SNL repeats will be broadcast until further notice from Saturday, May 6.”
After Davidson’s turn at Studio 8H, Bad Bunny will be doing double duty as both host and musical guest on October 21st.
Official SNL The Instagram account also made the news official with its announcement of a corkboard signed by the names of all three stars.
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In addition to the host announcement, the sketch series will welcome Chloe Troast to the cast as a featured player.
The returning cast includes Michael Che, Colin Jost, Bowen Yang, Mikey Day, Andrew Dismukes, Chloe Fineman, Heidi Gardner, Punkie Johnson, Ego Nwodim and Kenan Thompson — who is celebrating his 20th year on the show.
The season 49 announcement comes as the SAG-AFTRA strike continues; however, the show can be returned because it falls under the Syndication Network Code.
“SAG-AFTRA members appear on Saturday night live either as hosts, guests or cast members work under the network code contract, which is not the contract we are striking for. They are not violating SAG-AFTRA strike rules and we support them in meeting their contractual obligations,” the union said in a statement.
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“The program is a SAG-AFTRA non-dramatic production under a separate contract that is not subject to a union strike,” the statement continued.
“Most of our regular members are included Saturday night live had contractual obligations to the show before the strike. Many are under option contracts that require them to return to the series if the producers exercise their option, which the producers did.”
The statement went on to note that there is a “no-strike clause” in the Network Code Collective Agreement, adding: “This means that our contractors agree not to strike during the duration of the Collective Agreement and to report to work during that period (the Network Code applies until June 30, 2024).By not showing up to work, our contractors may be considered in breach of contract, and the Union is prohibited from advising them not to work.”
The statement concluded: “It is important to recognize that SAG-AFTRA is fighting against the studios, not against members who have to go to work every day under other union contracts or personal service agreements. We stand with our union brothers and sisters across the industry as we also recognize our obligations under federal labor law.”
Late night shows including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Late Night with Seth Meyers, This Week Tonight with John Oliver and Daily show have also announced their return to the air after the strike.
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Season 49 of Saturday night live premieres October 14 at 11:35 PM ET on NBC.
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Source: HIS Education