There's no point, obviously, in getting into the merits of "Saturday Night Live." We know what it is: It's inconsistent and reviled, but a lot of us continue to watch it out of habit, or because every once in a while it will show flashes of brilliance. It's also occasionally fun to see actors we admire in a different context. Sure, the writers have managed to waste a lot of potential over the years, but every great once in a while, "Saturday Night Live" can help to reshape someone's career (Jon Hamm), bring out a sense of humor we didn't know existed (Peyton Manning), show amazing dancing talent we weren't aware of (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), or demonstrate the true potential of an already huge celebrity (Justin Timberlake). Many of us watch each week because, while we're often left bitterly disappointed, every once in a while, the show will surprise us. Somehow, that makes the suffering worth it.
What's most fun, however, is seeing someone we think we know in an unfamiliar context, and finding out all sorts of new things about him or her. Unfortunately, "SNL" often sticks with the huge movie stars instead of more talented actors, often to the show's detriment. Did anyone really need to see Katy Perry or Russell Brand host "SNL"? Or Channing Tatum? What's fun is when they bring on people like Jane Lynch or Bryan Cranston, even if they do waste their talents and relegate them to background players, because every once in a while, one of those more minor television or movie stars will thrill us.
I think the following seven people could all do that: Provide an unexpected boost for both the show and the actors involved. Start your Facebook campaigns.
Peter Dinklage: How freaking fantastic would it be to have Peter Dinklage host the show? He'd be the shortest person to ever host the show (narrowly beating out Danny Devito). He's a wicked great dramatic actor, but it's clear he has a sense of humor about himself and his stature (see Elf), and obviously, if the show could make hay out of Melissa McCarthy's weight, they could probably do wonders with Dinklage's size. Dinklage interviews are scarce, but the few that I've seen all confirm that the guy is an outstanding person with an abundance of personality, and that's really the first key to success as an "SNL" host (see his interview on "The Daily Show," from several years back, for instance). That personality is on display, here, in the video for his GQ photoshoot (slightly NSFW)
Michael K. Williams: At this point, you've either seen "The Wire," it's in your Netflix queue, or you've been berated by someone because you haven't seen it yet. In either case, everyone who has ever opened an Internet browser knows Michael K. Williams' face. Curiosity alone would probably draw a sizable audience, and obviously, there are plenty of skits the show could build around his Omar Little personae (or even that of Chalky White, his character in "Boardwalk Empire.") Moreover, the show could certainly take advantage of the fact that Michael K. Williams used to be a dancer and choreographer: How big would your eyes get if you were to see Michael K. Williams break out moves like the ones seen here (at the 4:50 mark)
Ryan Gosling -- Hollywood hasn't seen a new legitimately huge box-office star in years, but Baby Goose may be the closest thing we get for awhile. His movies don't make a ton of money, but he is in a lot of films, he's probably the best actor under 35 in Hollywood, and of course, he's also an Internet phenom (thanks to the "Hey Girl!" meme, which would provide the basis for at least one skit). He, too, can sing and dance (he started on "The Mickey Mouse Club,") and he could probably provide an excuse or three for a Justin Timberlake cameo. Plus, they could build a skit around Gosling breaking up random fights on city streets.
Timothy Olyphant -- There's no good excuse for the fact that Timothy Olyphant hasn't yet hosted "Saturday Night Live." I think that a hosting stint could do for Olyphant what it did for Jon Hamm: Present him in a way we haven't seen him and open up the possibility of more comedic roles in his future. Plus, he could play a gratuitously shirtless lawman who wears nothing but spurs and a cowboy hat. I think that'd be a big hit. Plus, the guy never blinks: There's a whole skit right there. Plus, a potential Emmy for best guest star in a Musical or Variety show might finally give him that opportunity to deliver the Emmy speech he had ready last year.
Alison Brie -- Joel McHale may be the more natural choice from "Community" to host (Chevy Chase would be fun to see again, too, except that he's been banned from the show), but Brie could bring to the show something that Joel McHale is incapable of:
Danny McBride -- I'm not sure that Danny McBride could do a 90-minute live show without using profanity, but the guy is built for "SNL." He's the fake bravado version of Will Ferrell. His entire career has basically been a recurring character, but it's a funny one, and unlike "SNL" recurring characters, McBride's doesn't wear out its welcome in under five minutes. Plus, he can bring that sh*t to the next level.
Nick Offerman -- It's kind of obvious, isn't it? Clearly, he's multi-dimensional, it'd be great exposure for "Parks and Recreation," and he could usher in cameos for both his co-star, Amy Poehler, and his wife, Megan Mullally. What I wouldn't want to see, however, is "SNL" attempt to do anything with his Ron Swanson personae -- they could only do harm. But it would be cool to see Offerman outside of the context in which we know him. What's bizarre, however, is that in interviews, he kind of is Ron Swanson.
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But what happens when they do go on and then aren’t funny?
Great list- I would add Donald Glover as well. SNL always seems willing to reach outside of the mainstream once or twice a season. They already did once with Charlie Day but I could see Offerman or Dinklage happening this year.
I wish I could have an MP3 of Ron Swanson / Nick Offerman laughing, and have it as my ringtone.
I’d also add the very funny Jay Leno.
About as good of a list as I can think of. Trying to think of guys you missed but no one’s coming to mind. Maybe having someone like Jon Stewart or Stephen Colbert? I guess The Bunk or Stringer wouldn’t be bad choices either.
Timothy Olyphant was already pretty funny. Remember The Girl Next Door?
I want Joel McHale to host soooo badly.
Also, Trey Parker and Matt Stone as co-hosts. And Dave Grohl.
The South Park guys would be great and they are good friends with Bill Hader but I think they are on record as never wanting to host the show
Bill Hader writes for South Park, so they have an in.
Kate Upton. She would probably be terrible, but fun to look at.
I agree with all your choices.
BUT…
Kate Upton. End of topic.
Dinklage was also in Death at a Funeral, very funny film
both versions too which makes it even funnier.
Fat Jonah Hill
You will be missed
Naathan Fillion would probably be a good host, too
I’m actually surprised you didn’t just list every character on Community, cause that’s a thing right?
**waits for blog post on Community characters reimagined as SNL characters…**
How about Idris Elba? That guy is fifteen different kinds of smooth. Plus, there are a thousand different directions they could take it without the necessity of sticking to one character. Would SNL focus too much on Luther or The Wire? Even if they did, that would be kick ass.
LOUIS CK
if only because i picture him being extremely awkward and laughing through every sketch
co-sign
I don’t care what anyone says, Alec Baldwin would be great.
Unfortunately, based on the youth/internet-oriented direction they’ve been going lately, we’ll be getting Bieber long before any of those mentioned in this post
The fact that none of them has hosted shows how incredibly shallow SNL has become. It’s a travesty that Alison Brie’s boobs have never given an opening monologue.
Your gonna make me choose between Tyrion, Omar, the Driver, and Ron Swanson? I want them all to host, one after the other!
Great list! I’d include:
Ricky Gervais, Brad Pitt, Joel McHale, Craig Robinson, Will Arnett, Andy Daly, and Aubrey Plaza.
(the Nathan Fillion, Donald Glover, and Idris Elba votes were great too)
I’d also add that SNL will forever be in a perpetual state of “stagnancy,” despite continued social relevance. It is an icon now, rather than the gutsy sketch show it was in it’s heyday. There’s no going back to what it was, but it still churns out two or three great episodes a season, and a handful of great sketches. I’m happy with that.
I want Sean Bean to host and for every sketch with him to end with his death.
They’ll never listen… dammit, they’ll never listen.
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I wonder if they’d ever consider Steve Martin….??
The host always makes the show. You can always tell when they were really into it just by the monologue and the cast’s energy. Great hosts = great shows (Jon Hamm and Justin Timberlake are recent examples) and hosts that don’t give a damn are what make shows really terrible (January Jones).
We had some good ones recently (Charlie Day, Jason Segel, Jimmy Fallon, Steve Buscemi) but overall they need to stick to hosts that WANT to do it.
Eric Stonestreet would be versatile and fantastic. Mark Paul Gosselaar is an inspired idea. Also, it’s nice to know I’m not the only person who grew up watching SNL and still DVRs it every week in the hopes that it might make me laugh for 5-10 out of 90 minutes.
I’ve got to propose Aziz Ansari, heck, make it a Human Giant reunion with Rob Heubel and Paul Scheer appearing in a few sketches.
42 MINUTES ON RON SWANSON?!?! godddddd bless americaaaaaaaaa! laaaaand that i looooooove…..
can we have the Nick Offerman/Zach Galifinakis “Beards of Brothers” buddy comedy made please?
To be different, I’d like to suggest George W Bush. I actually think he’d do a good job hosting. And if he struggles, people will still laugh because he was America’s stumbling, bumbling president. In more informal interviews or speeches, Dubbya showed he had a funny side (with good comedic timing) and charisma by poking fun at himself.
But yeah, I’d like to see Joel McHale host with a Community cameo invasion. An SNL “Community” skit with the actual cast there would be amazing.
And Neil Patrick Harris hosting would be sick.
So basically just take a bunch of actors from TV shows that WG likes and put them on SNL so we have a reason to watch it. Nice.
Dave Grohl…ah hell, the entire Foo Fighters. They could be the hosts and musical guest.
Definitely disappointing that you only included one woman. Balance it out a little, please.
Peter DInklage for president.