Timothée Chalamet to End 30-Year Saturday Night Live Hosting Trend This Month

This awards season, Timothée Chalamet is set to host Saturday Night Live during its landmark 50th season, marking a notable entry in the storied history of the iconic late-night sketch program. Chalamet’s career has surged in recent years, highlighted by his leading roles in blockbuster films such as Wonka and both installments of Dune. Recently, he captivated audiences in the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, a performance that earned him a Golden Globe nomination.

The official account for Saturday Night Live on X (formerly Twitter) has announced its slate of hosts for the upcoming month. As the show returns for two weekends in January, Chalamet stands out not only as a host but also as the musical guest on the episode scheduled for January 25, alongside fellow comedian Dave Chappelle.

first shows of 2025! pic.twitter.com/PUunWMXbkY — Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) January 10, 2025

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Chalamet’s dual role as both host and musical guest is a rare event in the show’s extensive history. In the program’s 50 years, only 41 individuals have been invited to perform both roles on the same evening, including legendary artists like Paul Simon, Elton John, and Britney Spears. Chalamet’s inclusion is noteworthy since he does not have a professional background in music.

Historically, only four non-professional musical guests have also hosted the show: Lily Tomlin (twice), Desi Arnaz, Gary Busey, and Deion Sanders, with Chalamet being the first non-professional host to take on this rare feat in three decades. The last occurrence was with Sanders, who appeared in an episode during season 20 on February 18, 1995.

Implications for Timothée Chalamet’s Career

SNL Appearance Highlights His Versatility

Chalamet’s appearance is a reflection of his growing prominence in the entertainment landscape, particularly following his recent Golden Globe nod. Although he is not a traditional musician, he has showcased his vocal talents in A Complete Unknown, where he performs several Bob Dylan songs. Viewers can anticipate a blend of acting prowess and musical flair during the episode, possibly with Chalamet presenting his renditions of Dylan tracks.

Moreover, his SNL appearance may include a humorous take on his youthful rap alter ego, Lil’ Timmy Tim.

Our Perspective on Chalamet’s SNL Engagement

Excitement Surrounds Chalamet’s Dual Role

Chalamet’s unique position as both host and musical guest injects a refreshing twist into the traditional SNL framework. His absence of formal music experience contrasts sharply with past dual performers, yet his musical endeavors in films such as A Complete Unknown and his portrayal of Willy Wonka in the upcoming Wonka musical illustrate his adaptability and talent.

Continuing to ascend in Hollywood stardom, Chalamet’s recent popularity is evidenced by the viral trend of Timothée Chalamet lookalike contests that have sparked global interest.

This dual-role appearance may attract a wider audience to SNL, leveraging Chalamet’s diverse skill set. It’s a pivotal moment in his career, as it offers him the opportunity to further showcase his versatility and engage with fans in a new format. For those interested, ScreenRant’s ranking of songs from Wonka provides insights into Chalamet’s earlier musical contributions.

A Complete Unknown also features a stellar cast portraying renowned musicians, including Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez and Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash, which adds to the film’s rich narrative tapestry.

For further details on why season 50 of Saturday Night Live has taken an extended hiatus since December 22, check out additional coverage.

Source: THR & SNL/X

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