The comedian will host SNL on Dec. 14, after previously hosting in 2020, 2014, and 1996
Although Saturday Night Live is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, SNL alum Chris Rock recalls the show’s history differently. In a Saturday Night Live promo video released Wednesday, Chris Rock, this week’s host, interrupts a group tour to spill some false facts about the comedy variety show, starting with the show’s premiere date: 1942.
“Jackie Robinson used to be an intern here,” he says, adding, “People don’t know this but Lorne Michaels [show creator] is actually Haitian. Been Haitian the whole time, can’t you tell?” SNL cast member Jane Wickline refutes Rock’s claims.
Rock went on to add that the late rapper Tupac Shakur, was not killed on the glittery strip of Las Vegas, but on the SNL stage. Rock adds, “Those were the days.”
Although David Spade starred in SNL sketches from 1990 to 1996, Rock denies this, adding Spade got kicked from the show after less than a week. “David Spade was a cast member for only three days but had to leave because a llama bit his ass,” Rock said.
Rock starred alongside Spade as an SNL cast member from 1990 to 1993. The comedian returned to host in 1996 and cracked jokes about thorny topics as a host in 2014. Rock also appeared during the 40th anniversary special in 2015 to introduce Eddie Murphy and hosted the sketch show again in October 2020, the 46th season’s first host following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gracie Abrams will perform as a special guest for the Dec. 14 episode.
