Saturday Night Live with Regé-Jean Page: What to watch for

This weekend, audiences will see actor Regé-Jean Page in his hosting debut on Saturday Night Live with musical guest Bad Bunny. Page is already known for his starring role as Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings in the Shonda Rhimes-produced Netflix period drama series, Bridgerton. 

Prior to Page’s mainstream success, the British-Zimbabwean actor could be found in a recurring role on the canceled NBC legal drama, For the People, which was also produced by Rhimes through her production company ShondaLand. He also recently appeared in the 2020 romantic drama film, Sylvie’s Love. After just one season of the Netflix series, Page’s social media following has grown resulting in him being reportedly considered to be the next James Bond but has since, temporarily, put those rumors to rest.

Now while his work in Bridgerton is characterized by a wide range of steamy scenes, Page has a chance to show his comedic side and, sure, it seems like the actor may only know drama but we’ve seen a handful of dramatic actors and actresses do well as hosts. Most recently, Regina King reminded audiences of her comedic talents.

In a recent promo, after Page introduces himself and Bad Bunny, Melissa Villasenor says “I think I’m gonna go by Bad Melissa, now!” before Page shares, “Cool! I’m gonna go by Regé-Jean Bunny.” They both turn to Bad Bunny to ask what his new nickname will be to which he replies, “Bad Bunny is already cool, so, I’m just gonna keep it.”

Check out the promo here:

Will host Regé-Jean Page be able to keep up on Saturday Night Live?

Judging solely from the promo, Page’s comedic sensibilities seem to be very subtle so it might take more than one sketch to see him take a step away from his dramatic persona. I’d love to see him in a bunch of character sketches. That being said, to see Page be featured in any type of political sketch is unlikely but considering that we saw an influx of political sketches which were lacking in previous episodes, I wouldn’t put it past the writers to at least try and work him into something.

I would love to see a parody of period dramas or any type of ode to the show that brought him fame. Page isn’t going to walk away from this episode without having a stand-out sketch that’ll leave his fans wanting to see him in more comedic roles.

Bad Bunny makes his Saturday Night Live (on-stage) debut

This is technically not Bad Bunny’s SNL debut as he’s previously appeared in an SNL at Home sketch last season.

The “Dákiti” singer-songwriter has been featured on a variety of music artists’ songs including his work with rappers Cardi B and Drake, both of whom have been musical guests on SNL in the past. Bad Bunny was honored with Variety‘s second annual Achievement in International Music Award after having three successful album releases in 2020. He also appeared at the 2020 Super Bowl alongside Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and was on late-night shows The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and The Late Late Show With James Corden. He’s nominated for two 2021 Grammy Awards, including Best Latin Pop or Urban Album.

Aside from singing and songwriting, Bad Bunny has been making many recent appearances at World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) events and became the unexpected holder of the WWE 24/7 Championship belt, which can be given to non-wrestlers as long as there’s a WWE referee present.

Since he has already been seen as more than just being a singer by proving he can showcase his skills as an entertainer, I’d like to see him be in a musical sketch or even just a parody of his eclectic style of performance.

What are your predictions for this week’s episode of Saturday Night Live? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to check back with Last Night On for a full recap of the best sketches.