‘SNL’ Jabs Notoriously Terrible Host in Dave Chappelle Promo

Some Saturday Night Live fans may be up in arms over the show inviting Dave Chappelle back to host for a fourth time this coming weekend, despite his history of transphobic and even antisemitic jokes. But in a new promo for his appearance, the show is reminding viewers that it could be a lot worse.

“Studio 8H. New York City’s hallowed comedy ground. A 50-year tradition of laughter at Saturday Night Live,” a voiceover that sounds a lot like the same Morgan Freeman who previously appeared in a promo for Chappelle’s 2023 Netflix special The Dreamer, intones.

“All the greats have passed through these halls,” the voice continues. “Also, Steven Seagal. And this Saturday... Dave’s back.”

Chappelle himself doesn’t say a word in the 30-second spot.

Seagal hosted SNL just once in 1991 and since then has repeatedly been named as the worst host in the show’s 50 year history. Executive producer Lorne Michaels once called him “the biggest jerk who’s ever been on the show.”

“He’s just the most awful person,” former SNL writer-turned-senator Al Franken said in a 2022 interview, calling Seagal a “f---ing moron” whose big sketch idea involved him raping a character played by cast member Victoria Jackson. “So, you want us to do the ugliest sketch that’s ever been on television?” Franken recalled asking him.