From tidal waves to laughter bursts, someone huge is coming to Saturday Night Live

Due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, Jason Momoa is forbidden from promoting the upcoming Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.


Jason Momoa made his first SNL appearance in 2018.
Jason Momoa made his first SNL appearance in 2018.

Saturday Night Live is gearing up for a wet and wild November 18 episode with Jason Momoa, the man who made the relatively unknown comic book superhero, Aquaman, cool again, taking the hosting reins. Joining him in the musical spotlight will be Tate McRae, one of the fastest-rising stars in the music industry. This episode marks Momoa’s second time hosting the long-standing sketch comedy show, following his initial appearance in 2018.

The timing of Momoa’s hosting gig aligns with the upcoming release of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, which will be premiering on December 22. Fans will certainly be eager to see if he’ll give a taste of what we can expect in the Atlantis film, although due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, direct references to his aquatic blockbuster are swimming in murky waters.

The not-so-anticipated sequel to the 2018 Aquaman film has been delayed repeatedly, causing fan excitement to wane. With reports that the film has undergone extensive reshoots (highlighting the messy state of the defunct DCEU), we would be right to assume that Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will struggle to come even close to what its predecessor grossed at the box office.

Tate McRae, who will be performing as the musical guest, will be making her first appearance on the SNL stage. The Canadian singer and dancer, known for her catchy hit, You Broke Me First, launched her stardom rocket on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. At 20 years old, she has now become an international sensation, which explains why SNL is inviting her for the very first time.

The upcoming SNL episode arrives amidst a season that has seen a mix of hosts. Previous hosts for the show’s 49th season have included Pete Davidson and Bad Bunny, with musical performances from artists such as Foo Fighters and Ice Spice. In addition to this, Wonka star Timothee Chalamet will feature as the host of the November 11 episode.

Saturday Night Live continues to steer through the complexities of the entertainment industry, including the SAG-AFTRA strike, which affects how shows can be promoted on air. Despite these challenges, the show has maintained its tradition of blending humor with topical content, often featuring a mix of sketches that range from political satire to pop culture commentary.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will reprise his role as Black Manta in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will reprise his role as Black Manta in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.

Given this, audiences can anticipate an entertaining evening from the November 18 episode, though you might need to be quick on the draw if you’re hoping to catch some potential Easter eggs about Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Saturday Night Live airs on NBC and Peacock at 11:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 p.m. PT.

Caleb Sama
Caleb Sama // Articles: 759
With a lifelong passion for storytelling and interactive entertainment, I provide honest perspectives to balance lighthearted takes on the latest entertainment news. // Full Bio