NBC has scheduled three consecutive episodes of Saturday Night Live, starting at the end of February, with Ryan Gosling set to return as host on March 7. The British animated band Gorillaz will make their SNL debut as the musical guest during his episode, marking a notable lineup for the show’s March run. This appearance highlights the Ryan Gosling SNL Host role amid the buildup to his upcoming film release.
Details on Upcoming Episodes and Host Lineup
The March 7 episode featuring Gosling follows February 28’s show hosted by Connor Storrie, who will be joined musically by Mumford & Sons. A third episode scheduled for March 14 is planned but has yet to announce its host or musical guest. Gosling’s return will be his fourth time hosting SNL, following his previous appearances in December 2015, September 2017, and April 2024.
Previous Hosting Highlights and Emmy Recognition
During Gosling’s last time hosting the show, promoting The Fall Guy, he notably broke character multiple times, especially during a Beavis and Butt-Head sketch. That episode also featured appearances by Emily Blunt and the return of former SNL star Kate McKinnon in another Close Encounters sketch. This particular episode earned Gosling his first Emmy nomination in the Guest Actor in a Comedy Series category, while drawing 8.9 million viewers after seven days. According to NBCUniversal, this was the largest audience for SNL since Billie Eilish’s hosting in December 2021.
Gorillaz to Make Musical Debut on SNL
The March 7 broadcast will feature the first SNL appearance of Gorillaz, the British animated band created by Blur’s Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett. The band is releasing their new album, The Mountain, on February 27, just days before their SNL musical debut.
Upcoming Film and Anticipation for Gosling’s Return
Gosling’s hosting aligns with the March 20 release of his latest film, Project Hail Mary, directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller. His return to SNL during this promotional window is set to generate renewed excitement for both the show and the movie, emphasizing his continuing appeal as a host and actor.
“That episode earned Gosling his first Emmy nomination in the Guest Actor In a Comedy Series category, and attracted the show’s biggest audience in years with 8.9M viewers after seven days, according to NBCUniversal, the largest audience the Lorne Michaels-created show had had since Billie Eilish hosted in December 2021.” ?NBCUniversal Representative
“It also marks the SNL debut for British animated band Gorillaz, which was formed by Blur’s Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett.” ?NBC Press Release
