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Saturday Night Live
Season 46
No. of episodes20
Release
Original networkNBC
Original releaseOctober 3, 2020 (2020-10-03) –
May 22, 2021 (2021-05-22)
Season chronology
← Previous
Season 45
Next →
Season 47
List of episodes

The forty-sixth season of the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live premiered on October 3, 2020, during the 2020–21 television season with host Chris Rock and musical guest Megan Thee Stallion,[1][2][3] and concluded on May 22, 2021, with host Anya Taylor-Joy and musical guest Lil Nas X. With the previous season cut short amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the show instead airing three remotely produced episodes referred to as Saturday Night Live at Home, the season premiere marked the return to Studio 8H at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City.[1] Lorne Michaels said that the show aimed to have a "limited" in-studio audience, and that they would "work closely with Gov. Cuomo's team."[4]

Cast

[edit]

On September 15, 2020, it was announced that the entire cast from last season would be returning, with Ego Nwodim, who had been a featured player since 2018, being promoted to repertory status, while Chloe Fineman and Bowen Yang, both of whom had been hired in 2019 for the previous season, remained as featured players.[5][6]

On September 16, prior to the start of the season, SNL staff writer Andrew Dismukes, Upright Citizens Brigade alum Lauren Holt, and stand-up comedian Punkie Johnson were added to the cast as featured players.[4] The same day of Dismukes, Holt, and Johnson's additions to the cast, it was announced that Alec Baldwin and Maya Rudolph, though not members of the cast, would reprise their respective roles as Donald Trump and Kamala Harris,[7] while Jim Carrey would take over impersonating Joe Biden.[4] Biden had been portrayed by Jason Sudeikis while he was vice president and by Woody Harrelson, John Mulaney, and Sudeikis the previous season. On December 19, Carrey announced he would step down from playing Biden, stating it was the original intention that he would play Biden for only six weeks.[8] Current cast member Alex Moffat succeeded Carrey to portray as Biden during the cold open of the episode hosted by Kristen Wiig.[9]

Cecily Strong was absent from the first six episodes of the season due to filming commitments for her Apple TV+ series Schmigadoon!. Aidy Bryant appeared in the season premiere before taking an extended absence due to filming commitments for her Hulu show Shrill.[10][11] Both Strong and Bryant were still credited as cast members throughout the season.

This was the final season for longtime cast member Beck Bennett, who had been on the show since 2013, a total of 8 seasons. It was also Lauren Holt's only season on the show.[12]

Cast roster

[edit]

bold denotes "Weekend Update" anchor

Writers

[edit]
Main article: List of Saturday Night Live writers § season 46 (2020–21)

Prior to the start of the season, writing supervisor Anna Drezen (who had been a writer on the show since 2016) was promoted to co-head writer alongside Michael Che, Colin Jost, and Kent Sublette, making her the first female head writer since Sarah Schneider.[13] (Drezen had spent the last 1½ year as writing supervisor)

Additionally, Celeste Yim was added to the writing staff.[14]

After the Kristen Wiig-hosted episode, writer Sam Jay left the show (Jay had been a writer for 3½ seasons, starting in 2017).[15]

This would also be the final season for longtime writing supervisors Fran Gillespie and Sudi Green (who had been written on the show for since 2015), as they both left the show, after six years (they had both also previously spent four years as writing supervisors, starting in 2017).[16] However, Green has returned for the show for the first half of its 50th season.[17]

Fellow writer Gary Richardson would not write for the next season, but would return in season 48.[18]

This would also be the final season for Dan Licata and Emma Clark as writers (who both joined the writing staff back in 2019, after just two seasons).[16]

Episodes

[edit]
Main article: List of Saturday Night Live episodes
No.
overall		No. in
season		HostMusical guestOriginal air dateRatings/
Share
8901Chris RockMegan Thee StallionOctober 3, 2020 (2020-10-03)5.6[20]

8912Bill BurrJack White[a]October 10, 2020 (2020-10-10)[b]4.7[20]

8923Issa RaeJustin BieberOctober 17, 2020 (2020-10-17)4.5[27]

8934AdeleH.E.R.October 24, 2020 (2020-10-24)5.0[28]

8945John MulaneyThe StrokesOctober 31, 2020 (2020-10-31)4.7[29]

8956Dave Chappelle[c]Foo FightersNovember 7, 2020 (2020-11-07)[d]9.1 million[30]

8967Jason BatemanMorgan WallenDecember 5, 2020 (2020-12-05)6.1 million[31]

  • Morgan Wallen performs "7 Summers" and "Still Goin' Down" and appears in "Morgan Wallen Party", a sketch parodying the events leading up to the cancellation of his appearance in the second episode of the season.
  • Eminem appears in the pre-recorded "Stu" sketch, which itself parodied his song "Stan".
  • Cecily Strong returns after not appearing on the first six episodes of the season.
  • The January 16, 2021, repeat of this episode featured a clip of former band member Howard Johnson, who had died earlier in the week, performing with his band Gravity in 1978.
8978Timothée ChalametBruce Springsteen & the E Street BandDecember 12, 2020 (2020-12-12)6.7 million[34]

  • Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band perform "Ghosts" and "I'll See You in My Dreams"
    • E Street Band bassist Garry Tallent elects not to perform due to COVID-19 concerns. He is replaced by Jack Daley of Little Steven's Disciples of Soul band. This is the first performance by the E Street Band without Tallent since the band's inception in 1973.[32]
  • Chalamet's mother, Nicole Flender, appears in the opening monologue.
  • Jimmy Fallon appears in the pre-recorded "Tiny Horse" sketch.
  • Questlove appears in the "XXL Rap Roundtable" sketch.
  • During the goodnights, Chalamet wore a hoodie with the Legendary Pictures logo on it, in response to the news that Dune, which he starred in and was produced by Legendary but distributed by Warner Bros., would be released simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max.[33]
8989Kristen WiigDua LipaDecember 19, 2020 (2020-12-19)6.3 million[34]

89910John KrasinskiMachine Gun KellyJanuary 30, 2021 (2021-01-30)4.4[35]

  • Machine Gun Kelly performs "my ex's best friend" and "Lonely".
  • Before the goodnights, a photo of Cicely Tyson, who died two days before the episode aired, is shown in silence.
90011Dan LevyPhoebe BridgersFebruary 6, 2021 (2021-02-06)4.2[36]

90112Regina KingNathaniel RateliffFebruary 13, 2021 (2021-02-13)4.1[37]

  • Nathaniel Rateliff performs "Redemption" and "A Little Honey" with the Night Sweats.
90213Regé-Jean PageBad BunnyFebruary 20, 2021 (2021-02-20)4.2[38]

  • Bad Bunny performs "La Noche de Anoche" with Rosalía and "Te Deseo Lo Mejor" and appears in the pre-recorded "Loco" sketch and in the live-recorded "Sea Shanty" sketch.
90314Nick JonasNick JonasFebruary 27, 2021 (2021-02-27)4.1[39]

  • Nick Jonas performs "Spaceman" and "This is Heaven" with SNL bandleader Lenny Pickett on saxophone.
  • Nick's brother Kevin Jonas appears in the opening monologue and introduces Nick's second performance.
  • Kenan Thompson and Chris Redd introduce Nick's first performance.
90415Maya RudolphJack HarlowMarch 27, 2021 (2021-03-27)3.6[40]

90516Daniel KaluuyaSt. VincentApril 3, 2021 (2021-04-03)3.6[41]

90617Carey MulliganKid CudiApril 10, 2021 (2021-04-10)3.6[41]

  • Kid Cudi performs "Tequila Shots" and "Sad People" and appears in the pre-recorded "Weird Little Flute" sketch.
  • Mulligan's husband, Marcus Mumford, appears in the opening monologue.
  • Timothée Chalamet appears in the pre-recorded "Weird Little Flute" sketch.
  • After Update, a photo of Anne Beatts, a longtime SNL writer who died earlier in the week, was shown in silence.
  • Before the goodnights, a photo of rapper DMX, who died the day before, is shown in silence.
90718Elon MuskMiley CyrusMay 8, 2021 (2021-05-08)4.7[43]

  • Miley Cyrus performs "Without You" with The Kid Laroi and "Plastic Hearts", appears in the cold open singing "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" originally performed by her godmother, Dolly Parton, and appears in the pre-recorded "Chad on Mars" sketch. Cyrus' mother Tish Cyrus also appears in the cold open.
  • The mothers of the cast (excluding Michael Che, Alex Moffat, and Andrew Dismukes) appear in the cold open.
  • Musk's mother Maye Musk appears in the opening monologue.
  • Grimes, Musk's then partner, appears as Princess Peach in the Wario trial sketch.
  • For the first time in the series, this episode was live-streamed internationally on YouTube to over 100 countries.[42]
90819Keegan-Michael KeyOlivia RodrigoMay 15, 2021 (2021-05-15)3.5[44]

  • Olivia Rodrigo performs "Drivers License" and "Good 4 U", with both performances accompanied by Dan Nigro playing guitar.
  • SNL writer Steven Castillo appears during the opening monologue as an audience member.
  • SNL writer Gary Richardson appears in the "High School Graduation" sketch.
90920Anya Taylor-JoyLil Nas XMay 22, 2021 (2021-05-22)3.5[45]

Specials

[edit]
TitleOriginal air dateRatings/
Share
"The 2020 SNL Election Special"November 2, 2020 (2020-11-02)N/A
A special showing of all fan-favorite SNL political sketches.

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Morgan Wallen's scheduled appearance as the musical guest was cancelled the week of the episode after videos surfaced showing him violating the show's COVID-19 protocols on mask wearing and social distancing.[23] White was announced as a replacement the day before the broadcast.[24] Wallen was later rescheduled for the December 5 episode.
  2. ^ The episode was broadcast as planned in spite of an employee at 30 Rockefeller Plaza having tested positive for COVID-19 on air day.[25]
  3. ^ Chappelle hosted the first episode immediately following the presidential election. He also hosted the first episode immediately following the 2016 presidential election.
  4. ^ The episode was delayed due to a Clemson vs. Notre Dame college football game that went into double overtime.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b White, Peter (September 10, 2020). "'Saturday Night Live' To Return To Studio 8H In October". Deadline. Archived from the original on September 11, 2020. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
  2. ^ Steinberg, Brian (September 10, 2020). "NBC Plans to Launch 46th Season of 'Saturday Night Live' October 3". Variety. Archived from the original on September 15, 2020. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
  3. ^ "SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE: Chris Rock, Megan Thee Stallion Set for Season Premiere". September 24, 2020. Archived from the original on October 26, 2020. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  4. ^ a b c Maglio, Tony (September 16, 2020). "Jim Carrey to Play Joe Biden on Season 46 of 'SNL'; Show Adds 3 to Cast". The Wrap. Archived from the original on November 17, 2020. Retrieved September 16, 2020.
  5. ^ White, Peter (September 15, 2020). "'Saturday Night Live': Entire Cast To Return For Season 46, No Departures After Pandemic-Interrupted Season". Deadline. Archived from the original on September 16, 2020. Retrieved September 15, 2020.
  6. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (September 8, 2020). "'Saturday Night Live' Promotes Ego Nwodim To Main Cast Member For Season 46". Deadline. Archived from the original on September 9, 2020. Retrieved September 10, 2020.
  7. ^ Ausiello, Michael (September 16, 2020). "Saturday Night Live Tapes Jim Carrey to Join Season 46 as Joe Biden". TVLine. Archived from the original on September 17, 2020. Retrieved September 16, 2020. Michaels also confirmed that Alec Baldwin will be back as Trump, with Maya Rudolph set to once again play Biden's running mate Kamala Harris.
  8. ^ Caruso, Nick (December 19, 2020). "Saturday Night Live: Jim Carrey Bows Out as President-Elect Joe Biden". TVLine. Archived from the original on December 19, 2020. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  9. ^ "'SNL': Alex Moffat Replaces Jim Carrey as Joe Biden in Cold Open". The Hollywood Reporter. December 20, 2020. Archived from the original on December 20, 2020. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
  10. ^ "Cecily Strong's New Musical-Comedy Series Has a Stacked Cast". October 1, 2020. Archived from the original on October 27, 2020. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  11. ^ "Hulu series 'Shrill' returns to film in Portland this fall, and extras are needed". September 25, 2020. Archived from the original on October 21, 2020. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  12. ^ ‘SNL’ cast members Beck Bennett, Lauren Holt exit; three new cast members announced, USA Today, 27 September 2021. Retrireved 18 August 2023.
  13. ^ White, Peter (September 16, 2020). "'SNL': Jim Carrey Set To Play Joe Biden As NBC Show Adds Three Featured Players & Will Have Limited Audience". Deadline. Archived from the original on November 9, 2020. Retrieved September 16, 2020.
  14. ^ Wright, Megh (October 4, 2020). "Here's the Writing Staff of Saturday Night Live Season 46". Vulture. Archived from the original on October 8, 2020. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  15. ^ "Kristen Wiig/Dua Lipa". Saturday Night Live. Season 46. Episode 9. December 19, 2020. Event occurs at Closing credits. NBC.
  16. ^ a b "Owen Wilson/Kacey Musgraves". Saturday Night Live. Season 47. Episode 1. October 2, 2021. Event occurs at Closing credits. NBC.
  17. ^ "Jean Smart/Jelly Roll". Saturday Night Live. Season 50. Episode 1. September 28, 2024. Event occurs at Closing credits. NBC.
  18. ^ "Miles Teller/Kendrick Teller". Saturday Night Live. Season 48. Episode 1. October 1, 2022. Event occurs at Closing credits. NBC.
  19. ^ Seemayer, Zach (October 4, 2020). "Alec Baldwin Defends Playing Donald Trump in 'Saturday Night Live' Season Premiere After Backlash". Archived from the original on May 3, 2021. Retrieved October 5, 2020.
  20. ^ a b "'Saturday Night Live' Ratings Slip, Stay Strong With Host Bill Burr". October 11, 2020. Archived from the original on October 26, 2020. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
  21. ^ Del Rosario, Alexandra (October 10, 2020). "'Saturday Night Live' Pays Tribute To Eddie Van Halen". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on October 11, 2020. Retrieved October 11, 2020.
  22. ^ Ryu, Jenna (October 11, 2020). "'Rest in peace sir': Jack White pays tribute to Eddie Van Halen on 'SNL' by playing special guitar". USA Today. Archived from the original on October 11, 2020. Retrieved October 11, 2020.
  23. ^ Low, Elaine (October 7, 2020). "Morgan Wallen Says He Is No Longer Playing 'SNL' Due to COVID-19 Protocols". Variety. Archived from the original on October 8, 2020. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  24. ^ Shaffer, Claire (October 9, 2020). "Jack White Replaces Morgan Wallen as 'SNL' Musical Guest". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on October 12, 2020. Retrieved October 9, 2020.
  25. ^ Goldblatt, Daniel (October 10, 2020). "'SNL' and Other NBC Shows to Air as Planned Despite Positive COVID Test at 30 Rock (Exclusive)". The Wrap. Archived from the original on October 11, 2020. Retrieved October 10, 2020.
  26. ^ Schwartz, Ryan (October 18, 2020). "Issa Rae Hosts SNL: Watch the Best & Worst Sketches, Plus Justin Bieber". TVLine. Archived from the original on October 20, 2020. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  27. ^ "'Saturday Night Live' Ratings Slip With Host Issa Rae, Remain Above 2019 Levels". October 18, 2020. Archived from the original on October 21, 2020. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
  28. ^ "Overnight Ratings: "Saturday Night Live" Rises For Adele, H.E.R. Episode". October 25, 2020. Archived from the original on October 28, 2020. Retrieved October 25, 2020.
  29. ^ "'Saturday Night Live' Ratings Slip With Host John Mulaney, Remain Strong On Eve Of Election". November 1, 2020. Archived from the original on November 3, 2020. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  30. ^ "Post-Election 'SNL' with Host Dave Chappelle Scores Best Rating in 3 Years". November 10, 2020. Archived from the original on November 29, 2020. Retrieved November 25, 2020.
  31. ^ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tv-ratings-saturday-sunday-dec-5-6-2020#:~:text=The%20Dec.%205%20episode%20of,%2D49%2C%20both%20season%20lows Archived December 10, 2020, at the Wayback Machine.
  32. ^ Lustig, Jay (December 13, 2020). ""Springsteen performs 'Ghosts' and 'I'll See You in My Dreams' on 'SNL'"". NJArts.net. Archived from the original on June 1, 2023. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
  33. ^ Russian, Ale (December 14, 2020). "Timothée Chalamet Seemingly Takes Stance Against Dune's HBO Max Streaming Deal on SNL". People. Archived from the original on December 17, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  34. ^ a b "'Saturday Night Live' Ratings Steady with Host Kristen Wiig". December 20, 2020. Archived from the original on December 21, 2020. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  35. ^ "'Saturday Night Live' Returns From Hiatus Steady In Ratings With Host John Krasinski". January 31, 2021. Archived from the original on January 31, 2021. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
  36. ^ "'Saturday Night Live' Ratings Rise In 18-49 Demo With Host Dan Levy". February 7, 2021. Archived from the original on February 7, 2021. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  37. ^ "'Saturday Night Live' Ratings Slip With Host Regina King". MSN. February 14, 2021. Archived from the original on May 3, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  38. ^ "'Saturday Night Live' Ratings Inch Up With Host Regé-Jean Page". February 21, 2021. Archived from the original on February 21, 2021. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  39. ^ "'Saturday Night Live' Ratings Inch Down With Host Nick Jonas". February 28, 2021. Archived from the original on February 28, 2021. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  40. ^ "'Saturday Night Live' Returns From Hiatus To Season Low Ratings With Host Maya Rudolph". March 28, 2021. Archived from the original on March 28, 2021. Retrieved March 28, 2021.
  41. ^ a b https://deadline.com/2021/04/saturday-night-live-ratings-carey-mulligan-1234732076/ Archived April 11, 2021, at the Wayback Machine!
  42. ^ Drury, Sharareh (May 8, 2021). "'Saturday Night Live' to Livestream Internationally as Elon Musk Hosts". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  43. ^ "'Saturday Night Live' Ratings Fly High with Host Elon Musk". May 9, 2021.
  44. ^ "'Saturday Night Live' Ratings Return To Earth, Hit Lows With Host Keegan-Michael Key". May 16, 2021. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  45. ^ "'Saturday Night Live' Ratings Stay Low In Season Finale With Host Anya Taylor-Joy". May 23, 2021. Retrieved June 1, 2021.
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