“Saturday Night Live” is turning to major star power for its return to in-studio, live shows.
The Oct. 3 season premiere will star comedian/actor Chris Rock as host with special musical guest Megan Thee Stallion.
“SNL” announced the news via Twitter Thursday.
Stallion was just named to Time’s prestigious TIME100 list of most influential people in the world, and is currently riding a tidal wave of success on the music front with hits such as “Savage Remix” (featuring Beyonce) and Cardi B’s “WAP.” Her newest album “Suga” has been streamed more than 900 million times. Stallion is also nominated for Billboard Music Awards’ top rap female artist.
October. 3.@chrisrock @theestallion pic.twitter.com/J8KUYWngaL
— Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) September 24, 2020
This marks Rock’s third turn at hosting the hit NBC series; he was an “SNL” cast member for three seasons in the early 1990s. He also twice hosted the Oscars telecast. Rock stars as mob boss Loy Cannon on the FX limited series “Fargo,” debuting Sept. 27.
The “SNL” episode marks the first in a series of live shows leading up to the Nov. 3 election.
The 46th season cast will feature three new featured players: actor/comedian/singer Lauren Holt from Upright Citizens Brigade, comedian/writer Punkie Johnson (“Space Force”) and former “SNL” staff writer/stand-up comedian Andrew Dismukes.
All of last season’s ensemble members will remain, and featured player Ego Nwodim will move up to the more prestigious title of cast member.
No other hosts or musical guests have yet been announced.