Saturday Night Live has selected two first-timers to headline the first of three new episodes this December.
The show announced tonight that Gladiator II star Paul Mescal will host its December 7th episode, alongside musical guest Shaboozey.
Mescal, the Irish actor who was introduced to American audiences via his role in the critically-acclaimed television series Normal People, is on the brink of becoming a major movie star, with the 27 year-old taking on the lead role in Ridley Scott’s long-awaited Gladiator sequel alongside the likes of Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and Connie Nielsen. The film opens in theaters nationwide Friday November 22.
Shaboozey is set to make his first SNL appearance amid a record-breaking streak on Billboard’s 100, where his song “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” just marked its 17th week at #1. The country rap star has had a breakout 2024, collaborating with Beyonce on two songs off her smash hit Cowboy Carter before releasing his third studio album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going. His latest single, “Good News” released this past Friday.
Mescal will be the third first-timer to host Saturday Night Live during its 50th season, following Jean Smart and Charli xcx.
The Mescal-Shaboozey episode will immediately follow the show’s two-week Thanksgiving break. No word yet on who will host SNL‘s other two December episodes.
