Another election, another episode of “Saturday Night Live” hosted by Dave Chappelle, another cycle of outrage. What else is new?
While Chappelle’s return to 30 Rock was relatively tame (by his standards) and largely free of discussions of cancel culture and transphobia, the polarizing comedian continues to be one of the show’s most divisive guests. Whenever he’s announced as a host (this week was his third time doing the honors), fans and haters alike know to strap in for another round of discourse.
He’s hardly the most controversial host the show has ever had — Donald Trump was hosting as recently as seven years ago, and last year’s Elon Musk-led episode now seems even stranger given recent events. For as long as “Saturday Night Live” has been on the air, people have complained about bad hosts. Bringing in a new celebrity every week for 48 years is tough: they’re not all gonna be winners!
From professional athletes with no comedic timing to politicians who needlessly alienate half the audience (while also having no comedic timing) to people who theoretically should have been good but blew it, “SNL” history is littered with controversial hosts. Keep reading for 16 of the most polarizing choices.
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