“SNL” is down its musical guest this weekend, after country music star Morgan Wallen said he was kicked off the show after he was seen in social media videos partying in Alabama without a mask on.
“I was getting ready for ‘SNL’ this Saturday, and I got a call from the show that I will no longer be able to play, and that’s because of COVID protocols, which I understand,” Wallen said on his Instagram. In recent days, videos on TikToks showed Wallen in Alabama without a mask at a crowded bar and a house party. “I’m not positive for COVID, but my actions from this past weekend were pretty short-sighted, and have obviously affected my long-term goals and my dreams. I respect the show’s decision, because I know that I put them in jeopardy.”
Bill Burr is hosting Saturday’s episode. It is not yet known if NBC will find a replacement for Wallen, or just go without a musical guest.
“And on a more personal note, I think I have some growing up to do,” Wallen continued. “I wish I could have made country music and my fans proud this Saturday, but I respect the decision once again.” He added that “SNL” boss Lorne Michaels said they would “find another time to make this up.”
“SNL” debuted last Saturday to the show’s best ratings in four years. The late-night sketch comedy returned to its 30 Rockefeller Plaza studio, complete with a mask-wearing (and compensated) audience. The plan is to do four more shows in a row, leading up to the Nov. 3 presidential election.
'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.
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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.
