Kenan Thompson Reflects on Jack Black’s Epic Return to SNL After 20 Years!

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It’s astonishing to note down that it had been twenty years since Jack Black last hosted Saturday Night Live, but he made a comeback last week for Season 50’s episode. Yet, another intriguing detail about the upcoming final sketch comedy series episode on the 2025 TV schedule requires our attention as well. Specifically, did you know that Jack Black also hosted the very first episode of SNL where Kenan Thompson made his debut?

It’s fascinating to me that there are layers to this fact. For instance, little-known fact: Jack Black hosted the very first episode of Saturday Night Live where Kenan Thompson appeared. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly about the host, SNL veteran Kenan Thompson reminisced about Jack’s return to Studio 8H, expressing his excitement.

He was my first host. I’m a ginormous fan of his. I’m just excited about this week.

On October 4th, 2003, Jack Black hosted Saturday Night Live for the second time, with John Mayer as the musical guest. This episode marked the start of Season 29 and was significant because it was Kenan Thompson’s first appearance on the show. Additionally, Fred Armisen was a featured player that night, joining an exceptional cast which included Jimmy Fallon, Tina Fey, Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Seth Meyers, and numerous others. What a stellar SNL lineup!

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Following that, I, as a follower, was thrilled to see the star of the Minecraft Movie grace our screens again on December 17, 2005. Yet, it wasn’t until twenty years had passed that I found him back in the hosting seat once more.

At that point, Kenan Thompson had achieved the title of longest-serving Saturday Night Live cast member. He earned this distinction in 2022 during Season 47, marking his 20th season on the program. As of Jack Black’s 2025 episode, he has been a part of the show for 23 seasons and 439 episodes.

It’s quite astonishing, in fact, as there are two compelling factors that amplify the significance of the actor hosting the comedian’s initial episode. Firstly, it’s delightful that Black was present for the debut and later returned to host during a landmark season where Thompson is the longest-serving cast member.

Another possibility is that it’s surprising that Saturday Night Live didn’t invite the School of Rock actor back sooner. Kenan Thompson shared this sentiment, expressing it by saying:

It’s a long time and it’s tough because he’s one of our favorites for sure.

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It would be great if it doesn’t take SNL twenty years to invite Jack Black back as a host. But if it does, Kenan Thompson may reach the status of “permanent cast member,” so even if the return of the host is delayed, this comedian could potentially remain with the show.

As a die-hard film enthusiast, it appears that Saturday Night Live’s legendary cast member was over the moon when the star of “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” graced their stage. From his remarks, it’s clear that he wouldn’t mind welcoming him back for another round!

Extremely passionate about humor, he possesses an exuberant energy reminiscent of Chris Farley, particularly in his physical performances. Yet, he is exceptionally intelligent in crafting his comedic delivery and joke-telling style. In short, I’m genuinely thrilled!

Now, Jack Black has hosted SNL four times – in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2025.

Given his popularity and the special bond they share, it seems rather foolish not to invite him back and induct him into the exclusive Five Timer’s Club. I certainly hope that Kenan Thompson will be present for this occasion, given their extensive past together.

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2025-04-09 23:08