Melissa McCarthy may be used to turning out “star” performances on Saturday Night Live, but never quite so literally.
A first promo for McCarthy’s sixth stint hosting SNL sees the actress and comedian eyeing another lead role on NBC this week, as the star at the top of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
Swaddled in Christmas lights, the SNL five-timer dons a gold star costume as she encounters featured players Ashley Padilla and Ben Marshall in the just-released clip. Explaining they’re experimenting with a “human star” for the tree this year, McCarthy tells the cast members that the “test run” promises to net her a sweet “30 bucks an hour.”
“Every gal needs a side hustle, am I right?” the star boasts as she attempts high-fives.
While Padilla and Marshall initially show confusion about their next host’s questionable new gig, the promo is given a twist when McCarthy exits the studio.
“I auditioned to be that star,” Padilla reveals.
“So did I,” says Marshall.
The promo indirectly pulls double duty for NBC, serving not only as a promo for this weekend’s SNL, but also as a reminder of the network’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center special. The 93rd annual tree-lighting ceremony airs tonight with host Reba McEntire.
McCarthy has enjoyed a long relationship with Saturday Night Live since making her hosting debut in 2011. In addition to headlining the show five times prior to this weekend, she has also made five additional cameo appearances, including a well-regarded run as former Trump administration press secretary Sean Spicer.
This time around, she’ll be joined by musical guest Dijon in his SNL debut.
Revisit Melissa McCarthy’s colorful SNL history in this quick highlight reel produced by Saturday Night Network.
