Dave Chappelle will indeed deliver live comedy this weekend Saturday Night Liveregardless of the news cycle.
This Saturday’s episode of the long-running NBC comedy series marks the comedian’s third appearance. On Thursday, SNL has released promos praising Chappelle’s appearance, including a clip that appeared to poke fun at social media surrounding the recent announcement of his return.
After Chappelle announces he’s hosting with musical guest Black Star, cast member Ego Nwodim seems confused and asks, “Wait, we’re doing it live?” When Chappelle confirms they are, she replies, “With you?”
Chappelle replies, “Of course,” prompting Nwodim to shoot back, “In this news cycle?” On the Chappelle show star’s confirmation, Nwodim responds emphatically: “Interesting.”
Elsewhere, Chappelle jokes that he’ll be hosting “an episode so black, it’ll be on BET.”
Chappelle’s selection drew criticism in light of his controversial transgender community jokes from his 2021 Netflix special The closer. The New York Post reported this week that some SNL Staff writers chose to sit out the episode, citing an unnamed source, though the comedian’s rep told the outlet there is “no evidence of a boycott.”
It was widely reported that SNL writer Celeste Yim, who uses she/she pronouns, had recently posted a message on their Instagram stories that seemingly referenced Chappelle’s planned appearance. “I am trans and non-binary. Transphobia is murder and it must be condemned,” said Yim’s post, according to a screenshot shared to Reddit.
All three of Chappelle’s SNL hosting performances will air less than a week after a national election, and his most recent was on November 7, 2020.
Saturday Night Live airs Saturdays at 11:30 PM on NBC.
