Ben Affleck to Host Season Premiere of SNL

[strummer 0]

Bill's out, so Ben

gets 'SNL' vote

 

By MARISA GUTHRIE

DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

 

Bill Clinton wasn't available to host the premiere of "Saturday Night Live" so the next most ubiquitous Democrat will do - Ben Affleck.

 

Affleck has been tapped to host the 30th season opener of NBC's "SNL" Oct. 2 at 11:30 p.m. Rap star Nelly is the musical guest.

 

Boston-bred Affleck spent a lot of time stumping at the Democratic National Convention in his hometown earlier this summer and has emerged as a political figure.

 

"SNL" producers tried to woo Clinton to kick off the season, but the ex-President and best-selling author turned down the invitation.

 

Now, of course, he's convalescing after heart bypass surgery and so wouldn't have been available anyway.

 

Clinton's refusal provided an opening for Affleck to make his third appearance on the show.

 

Likewise, it will be his second appearance after the breakup of his almost-marriage to Jennifer Lopez, which is likely to limit the show's comedic attacks on his love life. (He was last on "SNL" in March.)

 

It won't dampen, however, an all-out attack on his recent film career, which includes the bombs "Gigli" with Lopez, "Jersey Girl" and "Paycheck."

 

His films, along with his strong political beliefs, should provide enough fodder for "SNL" writers to fill a show.

 

Not surprisingly, Affleck has a new movie to promote, "Surviving Christmas," with James Gandolfini and Christina Applegate.

 

Originally published on September 16, 2004

[starvenger 0]

Wonder if they'll follow up on that last "Bahston Teens" sketch...

[bob_barron 0]

Well they can't with Jimmy gone. He could always pull a Tim Meadows and cameo I guess

[strummer 0]

Maybe they have Seth Myers in Jimmy's role? Create a new character alongside Dratch. Like something like Fallon's character moved to Chicago because Nomar was traded to the Cubs, so she has a new boyfriend. Well maybe not, but I want to see more of Seth, especially talking about the Red Sox.

[The Czech Republic 0]

I got excited for a second about this and then I realized that I misread it and it was Ben Affleck, not Ben Stiller.

[UZI Suicide 0]

Well they can't with Jimmy gone. He could always pull a Tim Meadows and cameo I guess

I expect Jimmy back for a few shows, probably this one (didn't Will Ferrell come back like 5 freaking times last year? Ok maybe not 5, but like.. 3)

[bob_barron 0]

No- Will Ferrell's only been back twice.

 

Let Sully and Denise die with Donny Bartilotti's wedding. That was an awesome skit and a perfect way for them to go out.

[Guest The Winter Of My Discontent]

Bill Murray should host this season. With Chevy heading back to making movies again, maybe he'll be back in a year or two. Or they should just reunite the "not Ready for prime Time Players" for one show. Oh man...even though two of the best parts of it are dead, it could still rule.

[Ravenbomb 0]

Dan Akroyd is dead?!

[bob_barron 0]

I'd like to see Bill give it a shot.

 

Last time he hosted the episode was a complete abortion and probably the biggest dissapointment of the year.

 

He has a movie to plug so yea- bring him back

[Mecha Mummy 0]

Well, Affleck hosted one of the better episodes of the last season, so I'm all for him doing it again.