NEW YORK — “Saturday Night Live” will kick off its 50th season with a 73-year-old rookie as the host.
Jean Smart, who on Sunday won the Emmy for best actress in a comedy for her role as Deborah Vance in “Hacks,” will host “SNL” for the first time when the show begins its season on Sept. 28. Country singer Jelly Roll is the musical guest.
“I’m about to cry,” Jelly Roll said in a post on social media in reaction to being in the season opener.
The next four shows all feature returning hosts. Comedian Nate Bargatze hosts on Oct. 5, with musical guest Coldplay. Singer Ariana Grande hosts and Stevie Nicks performs on Oct. 12, while actor Michael Keaton hosts and Billie Eilish performs on Oct. 19.
Comedian John Mulaney, a former writer at “SNL,” returns as host for the sixth time on Nov. 2 with singer Chappell Roan making her first appearance.
“This is the first I’m hearing of this,” Mulaney joked on social media, referring to his hosting spot.
NBC News reports Bargatze currently is on his “Be Funny Tour,” Keaton currently is starring in the movie “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” and Grande stars in the film version of “Wicked,” which will be released in November.
Mulaney will star in the play “All In: Comedy About Love,” which opens on Dec. 11.
