Hollywood is buzzing after Saturday Night Live dropped the ultimate surprise: Quinta Brunson, the Emmy-winning genius behind Abbott Elementary, is stepping into the spotlight as guest host on May 3! The announcement sent shockwaves through social media, with fans calling it a “full-circle moment” for the comedian-turned-icon who’s redefining TV comedy.
Brunson, who became a household name with her hit mockumentary series about underfunded teachers, is no stranger to breaking barriers. In 2022, she made history as the first Black woman in 30+ years to win Best Comedy Writing at the Emmys for Abbott – and now, she’s adding “SNL host” to her growing list of firsts. But here’s the twist: This isn’t just another hosting gig. Insiders say Brunson plans to “flip the script” with sketches that nod to her Philly roots and her viral internet humor (remember her Girl Who Has Never Been on a Nice Date series?).
Fans are already speculating whether her Abbott Elementary co-stars (we’re looking at you, Tyler James Williams!) will crash the show for a surprise sketch. Meanwhile, NBC is teasing “one of the most unpredictable episodes in years,” hinting that Brunson might revive her iconic BuzzFeed characters or roast Hollywood’s obsession with reboots.
But why does this matter? SNL has struggled to book A-list comedians this season, and Brunson’s takeover marks a return to the show’s roots: risk-taking, relatable humor. As one fan tweeted, “Quinta hosting SNL feels like the universe apologizing for 2020.”
Mark your calendars: May 3 is about to be legendary. Will Brunson’s hosting debut break the internet? Can she top her own Emmy-winning punchlines? Grab the popcorn – this is one episode you can’t miss.
Catch Quinta Brunson’s SNL debut live on May 3 at 11:30 PM ET on NBC. Peacock streams it the next day.