SNL: There's a good reason Nate Bargatze is returning so soon

Saturday Night Live announced the first five hosts slated to appear when season 50 kicks off on September 28. Among the names is comedian Nate Bargatze, who will host SNL for the second time in less than a year.

Besides Bargatze, the first season 50 hosts will be Jean Smart, Ariana Grande, Michael Keaton, and John Mulaney. Bargatze will host on October 5 alongside musical guest Coldplay.

Bargatze made a splash during his Saturday Night Live debut in season 49. The stand-up comedian hosted on October 28. His monologue and George Washington sketch especially stood out, helping a wider audience quickly familiarize themselves with Bargatze's style.

And while his talents as a comedian suggest Bargatze deserves to be back in Studio 8H, it's unusual for Saturday Night Live to bring a host back so quickly. What may have been the norm in the show's early days has become less common thanks to SNL casting such a wide net over hosts.

But Bargatze clearly made a strong impression on Lorne Michaels. The SNL boss will executive produce a primetime holiday variety special starring Bargatze later this year. So there's a pretty good reason Michaels wants Bargatze back in front of a national audience in October.

The untitled special from Bargatze and Michaels will air on Paramount+ in December. Filming will take place at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. It's expected to have something for everyone and all ages as Bargatze oversees stand-up comedy, sketches an,d musical performances.

Lorne Michaels isn't the only Saturday Night Live connection to the special, either. Cast member Mikey Day and writer Streeter Seidell are also working on the project with Bargatze. Considering the three came up with season 49's George Washington sketch, there's reason to be excited for the December special.

But before that, Bargatze will be back at Saturday Night Live. Season 50 kicks off on September 28. Catch Bargatze host the second episode on October 5.