Timothée Chalamet returns to 'SNL' as host — and musical guest
2025-01-10 23:22- Dave Chappelle has been announced as the host for the January 18, 2025, episode of Saturday Night Live.
- The first episode will feature GloRilla as the musical guest amid public outrage against Chappelle.
- Timothée Chalamet will host and perform as a musical guest on the following week, continuing the show's engagement with high-profile figures.
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Insights
In the United States, the upcoming season of Saturday Night Live has stirred significant public discussion due to its choice of hosts. Comedian Dave Chappelle has been named as the host for the show's premiere on January 18, 2025, alongside rapper GloRilla, who will serve as the musical guest. Chappelle's selection has provoked outrage among many fans, who criticize his history of controversial remarks and view his hosting as a platform for hateful rhetoric. This backlash has sparked debates on social media regarding freedom of speech versus the endorsement of potentially offensive figures. Following Chappelle's opening night, actor Timothée Chalamet is set to make his return to the show on January 25, 2025, where he will perform both as host and as the musical guest. This will be Chalamet's third time guiding the show, following his previous appearances in December 2020 and November 2023. Additionally, he garnered attention for his role portraying Bob Dylan in the film A Complete Unknown, which has led to nominations for various acting awards this season. These events are taking place amidst a competitive awards season, with Chappelle, GloRilla, and Chalamet all receiving nominations for significant accolades. The Grammy Awards are scheduled for February 2, 2025, where both Chappelle and GloRilla are recipients of nominations. Meanwhile, Chalamet is anticipated to be a contender for the Oscars, with nominations being announced on January 19. These developments illustrate the intersection of entertainment, artistic expression, and public reception in an era marked by heightened sensitivity to controversial figures. As the show progresses into its 50th season, it will host a special live primetime event called SNL50: The Anniversary Special on February 16, 2025. This highlights the program’s longevity and relevance in American culture. The casting choices for this anniversary season could reflect a broader commentary on societal values and the evolving nature of comedy and entertainment, challenging audiences to engage with the material and reflecting the dynamic landscape of public opinion.
Contexts
In recent months, the entertainment world has been rocked by controversies surrounding comedian Dave Chappelle. After a surprise appearance at the Hollywood Bowl, Chappelle's performance was marred by a shocking incident when an audience member tackled him on stage, brandishing a replica handgun. The assailant, Isaiah Lee, 23, was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, while Chappelle's representatives emphasized that he wouldn't let the incident overshadow his record-breaking shows that celebrated comedy and music. These performances came on the heels of the release of Chappelle's special, "The Closer," which sparked debates about his jokes regarding the transgender community. Critics allege that Chappelle's routines contained hateful rhetoric, equating his set to the harmful narratives often perpetuated by anti-trans activists. In response, Chappelle maintained that his intention was not to harm, asserting that his jokes were part of a larger conversation about personal expression and corporate media interests. Yang, a fellow comedian who had shared the stage with Chappelle, has found himself struggling with the fallout from Chappelle's controversies. In a recent interview, he admitted feeling confused by the environment on set during the backlash following Chappelle's appearance. Yang expressed a desire to move past the association, noting that the negative attention from media outlets often overshadowed his own comedy journey. As the industry grapples with the implications of Chappelle's words and actions, the line between comedy and offense continues to blur, prompting discussions about the responsibilities of performers in addressing sensitive topics. While debates rage on, Chappelle remains a prominent figure, evoking both admiration and criticism in equal measure.
