Kenan Thompson will join “America’s Got Talent” as a guest judge this week while Simon Cowell continues to recover from back surgery, NBC announced Monday.
Thompson will join Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara at the judges’ table on this week’s live episodes on Tuesday and Wednesday, following “American Idol” alum Kelly Clarkson, who filled in as guest judge last week.
Cowell underwent five-hour back surgery earlier this month after suffering a serious injury while testing his new electric bike outside his Malibu, California, home. His representatives said in a statement that the operation involved “a number of fusions and metal rod put into his back,” and Cowell remained in the hospital recovering.
The British star took to Twitter last week to make light of the injury, writing, “Some good advice… If you buy an electric trail bike, read the manual before you ride it for the first time.”
Production on this 15th season of “America’s Got Talent” resumed back in June after shutting down due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic back in March. Last week’s episodes with Clarkson — which featured new safety precautions, including an outdoor location and greater distance between the judges — were the first live episodes of the season.
Thompson, who has starred on “Saturday Night Live” since 2003, has a long history with NBC across multiple programs, including his upcoming comedy series “Kenan” and serving as a judge on last year’s “Bring the Funny.”
'SNL': The 15 Best Sketches From Season 45 (Photos)
The 45th season of "Saturday Night Live" was a landmark achievement in more ways than one. Not only did the long-running sketch series see the long-awaited return of Eddie Murphy to Studio 8H, but the show had to contend with the coronavirus pandemic that forced the cast out of 30 Rock and into their homes. Luckily for us, that did not stop the show from producing new episodes. Here are the top sketches, in no particular order, from this season.
Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood 2019: Eddie Murphy hosted for the first time since the mid-1980s and he brought back all of his classic characters. Among them was Mr. Robinson, who showed up to teach boys and girls about the blight of gentrification. “I was gone for a bit but now I’m alright. My neighbors were all black but now they white.” We missed you, Eddie. Watch it here.
Debbie Downer Wedding Reception: In the final live episode before "SNL" went home during the coronavirus, Rachel Dratch brought back Debbie Downer to remind us all (correctly, it turns out) of what was in store for us. Watch it here.
Impeachment Fantasy Cold Open: One of many cold opens featuring Alec Baldwin's Trump, this one that takes us all back to the better days: When the president was being impeached. This imagines the trial most people wished had happened. Watch it here.
Grouch: We knew "Sesame Street's" move to HBO could make it edgier but a "Joker"-style origin story for Oscar the Grouch took a bit too far. Watch it here.
Airport Sushi: John Mulaney completes the trilogy we never knew we needed by following up "Diner Lobster" and "Bodega Bathroom" with "Airport Sushi." Watch it here.
Uncle Meme: Always talk to your children about the dangers of irresponsible memes. Watch it here.
Family Charades: RuPaul made his "SNL" hosting debut with this sketch about a family that really does not understand the rules of Charades. Watch it here.
Robbie: Let's be honest, this is how "Rudy" would have turned out in real life. J.J. Watt just had to be the one to say it. Watch it here.
Undercover Boss: Where Are They Now (With Kylo Ren): Matt the Radar Technician is now "Randy the Entry Level Intern" in this follow-up to see if Kylo Ren really has made The First Order a more work-friendly place to be. Watch it here.
Party Song: Will Ferrell returned for his fifth time hosting and plays an AP English Teacher who is going through a rough spot in his marriage. Watch it here.
Mid-Day News: A midday news report about crime devolves into the most hilariously tone-deaf competition ever. Watch it here.
Dr. Anthony Fauci Cold Open: Dr. Fauci probably isn't happy about many things these days, but he got his wish when Brad Pitt played the country's top infectious disease expert to kick off "SNL's" second "At Home" edition. Watch it here.
Zoom Call: Too real, "SNL." Just way too real. Watch it here.
Sport Report: After two months of quarantine, we all probably would tune into "Popcorn Pop Off." If this seems too unbelievable, we remind you that ESPN actually aired people playing H-O-R-S-E. Watch it here.
Dreams: "SNL" sent off its season on a more somber, yet hopeful note: Reminding us all about the world that used to be before the pandemic. We hope to see it again. Watch it here.
1 of 16
From Eddie Murphy’s return to quarantined episodes, 45th edition of late night sketch series won’t be forgotten
The 45th season of "Saturday Night Live" was a landmark achievement in more ways than one. Not only did the long-running sketch series see the long-awaited return of Eddie Murphy to Studio 8H, but the show had to contend with the coronavirus pandemic that forced the cast out of 30 Rock and into their homes. Luckily for us, that did not stop the show from producing new episodes. Here are the top sketches, in no particular order, from this season.
