Saturday Night Live taps West Side Story’s Ariana DeBose as its next host
By Matt Moore
Saturday Night Live announced that West Side Story star Ariana DeBose will be the next host when season 47 continues. She’ll be joined by musical guest Roddy Ricch.
It will be the first time hosting for DeBose, 30, who comes to SNL with an already impressive resume. The multitalented star’s credits include prominent roles in theater, film, and television.
DeBose recently picked up a Golden Globe nomination for her role as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story.
Prior to the film, DeBose was a member of the original Hamilton cast on Broadway. She earned a Tony Award nomination for her work as Donna Summer in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.
Fans also may recognize DeBose from Netflix’s The Prom or from Schmigadoon! on Apple TV+ starring SNL’s Cecily Strong. But that’s not all. DeBose is also part of the ensemble cast currently filming Argylle. The Matthew Vaughn-directed spy thriller stars Henry Cavill, Bryan Cranston, Bryce Dallas Howard, Samuel L. Jackson, Dua Lipa, and more.
Given that impressive resume, Ariana DeBose should have no problem performing on Saturday Night Live. Season 47 has been full of first-time hosts and SNL has done a nice job of letting those hosts shine.
When does Saturday Night Live return with new episodes?
Saturday Night Live last aired a new episode back on December 18. Host Paul Rudd led the Christmas episode, albeit an abridged and patchwork show. COVID-19 numbers in New York City forced SNL to send a majority of the cast and crew home. Rudd introduced pretaped sketches and holiday classics, while Tina Fey joined Michael Che for “Weekend Update.”
Ariana DeBose will host a brand new Saturday Night Live on January 15. According to Deadline, the plan is for a full cast and crew, as well as the studio audience, to be in Studio 8H. However, the spread of the omicron variant could force the show to pivot or cancel depending on the situation.
Seth Meyers cancels shows after positive COVID test. light. Related Story
What are your thoughts on Ariana DeBose hosting Saturday Night Live? Let us know in the comment section below.