SNL

SNL may be in for some changes at the Weekend Update desk, but it’s not what you think – yet. Anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che will be doubling up on their responsibilities as two of SNL’s new head writers.

SNL had already declared Saoirse Ronan as our first December host, and the time has come to round out 2017. James Franco will return to the sketch comedy series, as will comedian Kevin Hart and some fan-favorite musical guests to close out the year.

...and yes, it's ridiculous.

We thought it a little odd that Tom Hanks was noodling over a new David Pumpkins sketch before SNL even got to October, and NBC has finally answered our questions. The viral Halloween character will return for a half-hour animated special, with Hanks and Peter Dinklage lending their voices.

We knew changes were coming to SNL Season 43 after the departures of Vanessa Bayer, Bobby Moynihan and Sasheer Zamata, but these additions are real buzzer-beaters. Ahead of Saturday’s premiere, SNL welcomes Heidi Gardner, Luke Null and Chris Redd to the series, with more than double as many writers.

Just when you thought the end of Game of Thrones Season 7 might cut you a break from must-see shows, in swoops fall TV with dozens upon dozens of new and returning TV series; enough to drive your DVR to self-immolation. Join us for a sneak peek!

We thought it down to the wire when word broke before the SNL finale that Vanessa Bayer would join Bobby Moynihan in leaving after Season 42, but it seems another departure went entirely without notice. Reports confirm Sasheer Zamata also took her final bow with this past Saturday’s finale, joining at least two others.

No one was exactly surprised to see Alec Baldwin kicking off the final five SNL episodes of Season 42 as Donald Trump, though the reluctantly recurring star added yet another major media impression. See Alec Baldwin face off with Alec Baldwin, as the reigning SNL host pulls double-duty as Trump and Bill O’Reilly for a Fox News sketch.

In the election’s immediate aftermath, we had to wonder if Alec Baldwin had the SNL commitment to keep playing Trump as necessary for such a weekly target. Baldwin’s been a sport since November, even pivoting the impression into other mediums, but may hang up the wig before long . “I don’t [know] how much more people can take it.”

Octavia Spencer also stars in the skit.

Alec Baldwin hosts 'Saturday Night Live' for a record-setting time. Watch his opening monologue and skits.

Sean Don will be the musical guest on the show tomorrow (Jan. 21).