‘SNL’ Season 40 Adds Comedian Pete Davidson as Featured Player, More Changes Confirmed
Last week 'SNL' season 40 saw one of its highest-profile re-toolings yet, as Weekend Update host Cecily Strong was replaced by writer Michael Che, the first instance of two men running the desk. Now, with three season 39 cast members already let go, 'SNL' has added comedian Pete Davidson to its ranks, in the process confirming yet another departure from the long-running NBC sketch comedy show's roster.
Deadline confirms the addition of Davidson, who himself had been an in-demand standout at Fox‘s "Night of Comedy" showcase, and featured in the likes of 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' and untapped pilot 'Sober Companion.' The outlet also confirms that longtime writer and season 39 addition Mike O'Brien will return to his role in the writer's room, a move somewhat anticipated along with the removal of season 39 freshmen Brooks Wheelan, Noël Wells and John Milhiser.
According to reports, the final roster for 'SNL''s 40th anniversary season will include Vanessa Bayer, Beck Bennett, Aidy Bryant, Michael Che, Pete Davidson, Colin Jost, Taran Killam, Kate McKinnon, Bobby Moynihan, Kyle Mooney, Jay Pharoah, Cecily Strong, Kenan Thompson and Sasheer Zamata.
As we head toward the new season, the long-running NBC sketch comedy recently announced 'Guardians of the Galaxy' star Chris Pratt as its September 27 premiere host, accompanied by Ariana Grande. Comedian Sarah Silverman and Maroon 5 will follow the subsequent week, while recent rumors also placed iconic alum Bill Murray as a potential host.
Time will tell if we see any additional changes before the September 27 premiere, but in the meantime, what say you? Could Pete Davidson prove as strong an addition as his reputation would suggest? Will the new season be better served with Mike O'Brien back in the writer's room? Tell us what you want from season 40 of 'SNL' in the comments!