Almost every Saturday for the last 40 years, a team of comedians has stepped in front of the camera in New York City and brought satire, comedy, and music, to late night TV viewers. This season, Saturday Night Live will celebrate their 40th birthday with new hosts, new skits, and some new members of the Not Ready for Prime Time Players.There are always changes, but always new talent that is at least interesting to watch when mixed with the seasoned members of the team.
Some of the changes you will see this season are that some new faces last season have been let go. John Milhiser, Noel Wells, and Brooks Wheelan have left after just one season. Nasim Pedrad, a five-year veteran of the show, is leaving to join a new sitcom. Mike O’Brien is leaving the cast to go back to writing for the show.
A big loss for this season is that the legendary voice of Don Pardo will no longer be that heard at the beginning of the show. He passed away in August at the age of 96. Although he can never be replaced, Darrell Hammond will be taking over the narrator role, as he has impersonated Don Pardo on occasion when the famed announcer was absent. This should be interesting.
For tonight, the season premier will feature Chris Pratt as the host and Ariana Grande as musical guest. Pratt is most recently known for his role as Star Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy and Ariana Grande is most recently known as one of the ladies whose phones were hacked and naked pictures were supposedly sent out all over the internet. Check out the promo reel from SNL’s 40th season here and then tune in tonight, live. See ya there.
Saturday Night Live kicks off on NBC Tuesday nights at 10:35 pm eastern time.
Share your thoughts on Saturday Night Live in the comments below and stay tuned to Comic Booked for Fall Television Previews on many more shows.
