Taran Killam gushing about his former Groundlings colleague and tonight’s SNL host, Melissa McCarthy. I think we’re in for a good ‘un, guys.

Ben Stiller, Anna Faris to host SNL

It has been announced that Ben Stiller and Anna Faris will host SNL this October. Ben Stiller, promoting "Tower Heist", will host October 8th with musical guests Foster The People. Anna Faris, who is starring in the upcoming romantic comedy "What's Your Number?", will host October 15th with musical guest Drake. Melissa McCarthy hosts this weekend's installment with musical guest Lady Antebellum.

It's September. It's Saturday night. And that can only mean one thing - the season premiere of SNL is finally upon us! Tonight, veteran host Alec Baldwin takes to the stage for a record sixteenth hosting stint, while British rockers Radiohead are musical guests. We've been promised some surprises by Mr. Baldwin (ahem, Steve Martin and Seth Rogen, ahem) and I think we're in for a great show. 

I want you, loyal readers, to post your thoughts on tonight's show after it has aired. Favourite sketch? MVP of the show? Thoughts on how Baldwin fared? 

Comment, comment, comment!

SNL Promo #1 -Alec Baldwin/Radiohead

SNL Promo: Alec Baldwin/Radiohead w/ Bill Hader

Hires/Fires to SNL Writing Staff

As we all know, the Saturday Night Live cast and writing staff returned to work yesterday and Splitsider is confirming several additions to the writing staff. As previously reported, Sarah Schneider of College Humor was added to the staff. Joining Schneider is Chris Kelly (Onion News Network),  Zach Kanin (The New Yorker) and Peter Schultz (UCB). Meanwhile, Simon Rich has departed Studio 8H to write a movie for Pixar. (!!)

Welcome all!

Vanessa Bayer talks about what it would be like if she went on a date with Ross from Friends and does a few impressions of ladies in Civil War reenactments. And is hilarious.

“Hey, you know when the sun’s coming in through the window? And everyone’s talking outside because everybody in the city is awake and you’re not. Get up then!”

Paul Brittain does an impression of his alarm clock.

Congratulations to SNL director Don Roy King who won a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Directing of a Variety Series! This was King's second consecutive win and is the fourth Emmy for SNL this year. Unfortunately, SNL lost in the categories of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Kristen Wiig), Outstanding Variety Series and Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series.

 

Kristen Wiig and Darren Criss shooting "Imogene" in New York City. 

Rumor: Mary Faber Eyed as Possible SNL Cast Member

The Apiary is reporting that SNL is possibly looking at adding Mary Faber to its cast. While it is just a rumor at this point, sources tell The Apiary that Faber recently tested for the show. Faber is best known for her work on Broadway, where she is currently starring opposite Daniel Radcliffe in How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. She has also starred in American Idiot and Avenue Q. Faber has also studied improv at UCB and The PIT.

Below is her SNL audition reel, introduced by Daniel Radcliffe, no less. In it, she displays a great knack for characters and could really bring a fun and lively energy, as well as a more theatrical sensibility (reminiscent of Ana Gasteyer, perhaps) to the show.

You betcha this is a thing.

Ben & Jerry's has teamed up with Broadway Video Enterprises to unveil a new SNL-inspired flavour entitled "Schweddy Balls". Based on the now-infamous SNL sketch featuring Molly Shannon, Ana Gasteyer and Alec Baldwin, Schweddy Balls features Fair Trade vanilla ice cream with a hint of rum and is loaded with fudge covered rum balls and milk chocolate malt balls and is available for a limited time nationwide while stocks last. 

Asked for his thoughts on the flavour, Alec Baldwin said, “For a long time, I thought that ‘Here Lies Pete Schweddy’ would end up on my tombstone. Now, thanks to Ben & Jerry's, the goodness of the Schweddy family recipe won't go with me to the great beyond.” 

Meanwhile, Ana Gasteyer said, "The Schweddy Balls sketch was a personal favorite from my SNL run, so I am pleased as holiday punch that Ben and Jerry's has taken it upon themselves to share the Schweddy Family recipe with the world. As a person and a performer, I am a sucker for holiday balls. And I have no doubt this ice cream will cause many to scream 'Good Times'." 

Get your hands on it while stocks last, guys.

Jason Sudeikis stopped by Letterman last night to talk up his latest flick, "A Good Old Fashioned Orgy" which hits theaters Friday. Here's a video of the appearance.

New episode of WTF w/ Marc Maron with special guest Jason Sudeikis. Do it!

Check out the latest edition of SNL writer Mike O'Brien's web series "7 Minutes In Heaven" where things get hot and heavy between O'Brien and SNL cast member Jason Sudeikis.

Tune into Letterman tomorrow night where Jason Sudeikis will be appearing to promote his new movie, "A Good Old Fashioned Orgy".