A few days back, it was announced that SNL would return this week using a new “At Home” format. Having been off the air for a little over over a month, the series would now include the cast and crew engaging in social distancing, airing monologues and segments they’ve made at home.
What wasn’t announced for SNL at Home were the host and/or musical guest – or even if there would be anything resembling those roles at all.
In a surprise move, from his own residence, Tom Hanks acted as SNL at Home’s host, referring to himself as the “celebrity canary in the coal mine for coronavirus,” having been diagnosed with COVID-19, along with wife Rita Wilson, back at the beginning of March while down they were in Australia where Hanks was filming an Elvis Presley biopic. Check it out…
Ladies and gentlemen, Tom Hanks! #SNLAtHome pic.twitter.com/jCmEnBjSzq
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) April 12, 2020
“There’s no such thing as Saturdays any more, every day is just today,” Hanks quipped, also remarking “This is the first time I’ve worn anything but sweat pants since March 11.”
And if you think you were shocked by Hanks being the host, take a look at son Colin Hanks’ tweet…
Well this was a nice surprise https://t.co/nWcpyqflNi
— Colin Hanks (@ColinHanks) April 12, 2020
The last SNL to air was back on March 7 and featured host Daniel Craig, whose movie No Time to Die had already been bumped to November. Craig spoofed James Bond along with his Southern accent in Rian Johnson’s Knives Out.
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Matt Fowler is a writer for IGN and a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow him on Twitter at @TheMattFowler and Facebook at Facebook.com/MattBFowler.
Source: IGN.com Tom Hanks Acts as the Surprise Host for 'SNL at Home'