Dave Chappelle’s upcoming return to *Saturday Night Live* for its January 20 episode has sparked mixed reactions, 

with some fans expressing concern over his past controversies, including jokes about the transgender community and antisemitic remarks. 

However, *SNL* is addressing the situation with a sharp 

and humorous touch in its latest promo, reminding audiences that things could have been much worse.

The 30-second promotional spot for Chappelle’s return diverges from the usual *SNL* approach, 

which typically involves playful banter between the host, musical guest, and cast members. 

Instead, this promo is narrated by a voice that closely resembles Morgan Freeman, who previously appeared in a promotional campaign for Chappelle’s 2023 Netflix special *The Dreamer*. As the camera glides through the iconic halls of *SNL*’s Studio 8H in New York City, the narrator introduces the show’s long tradition: “Studio 8H. New York City’s hallowed comedy ground. A 50-year tradition of laughter at *Saturday Night Live*.”

The voiceover continues, “All the greats have passed through these halls… Also, Steven Seagal. And this Saturday… Dave’s back.” The promo closes with an image of Chappelle seated on stage, waiting to perform. Chappelle himself remains silent in the promo, allowing the voiceover to carry the comedic weight.

The mention of Steven Seagal in the promo is a clear jab at the actor’s notorious history with *SNL*. Seagal hosted the show only once in 1991, and his appearance has become a frequent point of ridicule. Many *SNL* cast members, including creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels, have expressed frustration with Seagal’s behavior during his time on the show. Michaels has even described Seagal as “the biggest jerk who’s ever been on the show.”

Former *SNL* writer and senator Al Franken shared a particularly scathing recollection of Seagal’s tenure, calling him a “f—ing moron” and describing an incident where Seagal insisted on a sketch involving an extremely inappropriate and disturbing premise. “So, you want us to do the ugliest sketch that’s ever been on television?” Franken recalled asking Seagal.

David Spade, another former *SNL* cast member, also spoke about Seagal’s difficult personality, remarking that working with him was “hard” because Seagal refused to play along and was “tough to work with.” These recollections have contributed to Seagal’s reputation as one of the worst hosts in *SNL* history, so the promo’s inclusion of his name serves as a playful reminder of *SNL*’s colorful past.

Chappelle’s return to *SNL* comes after several successful stints in the past. His first appearance as host was in 2016, shortly after the presidential election, where his sharp commentary on the political climate resonated with viewers. He returned in 2020 after the contentious presidential election, offering his perspective on the state of the nation. Chappelle’s most recent hosting gig was in 2022, where he once again brought his incisive humor to the *SNL* stage. Now, for his fourth appearance, Chappelle will bring his unique voice to the show alongside musical guest GloRilla, who is fresh off two Grammy nominations for her hit “Yeah Glo!”

The episode will also feature actor Timothée Chalamet, who will host for the third time. Chalamet, known for his roles in *Dune* and *Call Me by Your Name*, is also slated to be the musical guest, which is a rare occurrence for *SNL* hosts. It’s expected that Chalamet will perform songs from his upcoming role as Bob Dylan in the biopic *A Complete Unknown*. Fans can look forward to a mix of comedy and music as Chalamet and Chappelle bring their talents to Studio 8H.

Despite the criticism surrounding Chappelle’s past jokes, his return to *SNL* has become a highlight for fans who appreciate his sharp humor and commentary on societal issues. With a bit of humor aimed at the controversial past of Seagal and a promise of more comedy to come, this *SNL* promo sets the stage for another memorable night in comedy history.

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