Season 42 of NBC's Saturday Night Live has been enjoying high ratings since it opened on Oct. 1, 2016 but its popularity received an even better boost with the cast's impersonations of political personalities under the Trump Administration, enough to place the current season as the comedy sketch show's highest-rated season in the last 20 years.
To celebrate this achievement and make television great again, the studio announced that SNL's last four episodes will simultaneously be aired on all coasts. This is the first time SNL will implement the simulcast in its entire 42-year run and it is definitely a great way to end an amazing season.
Going Out With A Bang
NBC Chairman Robert Greenblatt said in a statement that SNL executives, producers, and cast have definitely turned the live comedy show into one of the most relevant shows of its time, especially with the increasing political and cultural issues incorporated into the show. He added that SNL is part of the national conversation so NBC believes that it is a great idea to make the "live" part of the show true across the United States, regardless of time zone.
Finishing Season 42 with four great shows! #SNL pic.twitter.com/D87eCaADmS
— Saturday Night Live (@nbcsnl) March 16, 2017
"That way, everyone is in on the joke at the same time," Greenblatt said in a statement.
Four Wonderful Hosts
The live simultaneous airing will begin on April 15 with SNL alumnus Jimmy Fallon as host and he already seems excited for his return. He even reminded his Twitter followers that SNL is airing live across the country for the first time so, if you love Fallon, don't forget to stay tuned on April 15.
Can't wait to be back hosting @NBCSNL - LIVE across the country for the 1st time! April 15. Love that show. Love that cast. Here we go! — jimmy fallon (@jimmyfallon) March 16, 2017
Next up is Wonder Woman's Steve Trevor, Chris Pine, who will host the show on May 6. On May 13, it's comedienne Melissa McCarthy's turn to host so we can probably expect another great impersonation of White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer. If you're not convinced, watch the clip below.
The new Spicey is cutting back on the gum chewing.
Sean Spicer Press Conference Cold Open: https://t.co/LQgjxoTmt5 pic.twitter.com/TotXDEibc3
— Saturday Night Live (@nbcsnl) Feb. 12, 2017
As for the very last episode of season 42, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson will take the stage as SNL host and, since we've already watched the wrestler-actor exercise his comedic chops in various films, we're pretty sure he's got what it takes to close an amazing SNL season.
Is NBC's Move With SNL Permanent?
Unfortunately, there is no word from NBC executives yet whether the live simulcast will be how SNL will be aired moving forward so we will just have to enjoy it while it lasts. Remember: SNL is on at 11:30 p.m. EST, 10:30 p.m. Central, 9:30 p.m. Mountain, and 8:30 p.m. PST.
