The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
SNL star Kenan Thompson to host 2022 Emmy Awards
Thompson is a six-time Emmy nominee and on track to become the longest-serving ‘SNL’ cast member this fall
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Saturday Night Live cast member Kenan Thompson has been confirmed as the host for the 74th Emmy Awards next month.
The ceremony will be telecast on NBC live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on 12 September, It will also be streamed live on Peacock for the first time.
Thompson, 44, reacted to the news in a statement on Thursday (9 August), calling the opportunity “ridiculously exciting”.
“Being a part of this incredible evening where we honor the best of the television community is ridiculously exciting.” he said, adding, “And to do it on NBC – my longtime network family – makes it even more special.”
Thompson has been associated with the popular late-night sketch show for nearly two decades and will return for his 20th season this fall – making him the longest-running SNL cast member in the NBC show’s history.
‘Disgusting’: Dave Chappelle Emmy nomination for ‘transphobic’ special The Closer sparks uproar
Emmys 2022: The most memorable looks from last year’s awardsEmmys 2022: Stranger Things and Squid Game among nominees for best drama series
Emmy nominations 2022: Biggest talking points, from Succession’s sweep to Chadwick Boseman’s posthumous nod
Only Murders in the Building: Steve Martin and Martin Short react to co-star Selena Gomez Emmy snub
Thompson has received six Emmy nominations, including a lead acting nomination for his sitcom Kenan, and a supporting actor nomination for SNL in 2021.
He won the Emmy for Outstanding Original Music & Lyrics in 2018 for his work as lyrics co-writer of the song “Come Back, Barack”, which was featured on SNL that year.
The comedian and actor will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame later this month, in the run-up to his debut as Emmys host.
Thompson was an original cast member of Nickelodeon's children's sketch comedy series All That and starred with Kel Mitchell on the spinoff Kenan and Kel. His film credits also include Clifford the Big Red Dog and Barbershop 2: Back in Business.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Earlier this year, Thompson filed for divorce from his wife of 11 years Christina Evangeline. The former couple share two daughters – Georgia and Gianna – together.
The 2022 Emmy nominations were announced on 12 July.
TV shows in the running for awards this year include Better Call Saul, Succession and Squid Game in the drama categories, and Abbott Elementary, Hacks and Ted Lasso in the comedy categories.
Find the full list of nominations here.
Additional reporting by Associated Press