‘Saturday Night Live’ Celebrates Season 40 With Airings of Iconic Episodes

NBC will run weekly ‘SNL Vintage’ episodes at 10 p.m. to serve as live sketch comedy show’s lead-in

SNL Chris Rock

For those who claim present-day “Saturday Night Live” is not as good as the old days, “SNL Vintage” may be right up your alley.

NBC will run old, iconic episodes of the sketch comedy show as the lead-in programming for Season 40’s live episodes, which begin airing Saturday, Sept. 27 .

Also read: James Franco’s ‘SNL’ Documentary to Air on Hulu Ahead of Season Premiere (Photo)

“Guardians of the Galaxy” star Chris Pratt is set to host that first show with musical guest Ariana Grande, which airs after a Richard Pryor hosted “SNL Vintage” lead-in episode from the series’ inaugural 1975 season.

The next “SNL Vintage” episode, airing Oct. 4, comes from the show’s 25th season. Christopher Walken is the episode’s host and Christina Aguilera is musical guest. Sarah Silverman and Maroon 5 will star in the live episode later that night.

See video: Chris Pratt Is Not a Piece of Meat in ‘SNL’ Promos, But He Can Open a Jar of Pickles

As TheWrap reported exclusively, “Dumb and Dumber Too” star Jim Carrey will also host a Season 40 episode, likely sometime around the movie’s Nov. 14 premiere.

Also read: Kenan Thompson ‘SNL’ Exit Report Is ‘Incredibly Inaccurate,’ Rep Says

“Saturday Night Live,” which has won 45 Emmys over its long and storied history, is a production of Broadway Video in association with SNL Studios. Lorne Michaels is the creator and executive producer.

“Saturday Night Live” returns for its 40th season premiere on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 11:30 p.m. ET.

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