Adam Scott had nothing but praise for Saturday Night Live while attending the Time 100 gala, where he was honored as one of the year's most influential people. Reflecting on the show's massive cultural footprint, the Severance star said:
"SNL' is, I think it's hard to argue it's not the greatest show on television because of its longevity and because of its influence on culture"
His comments came shortly after Saturday Night Live revealed its final three hosts for Season 50 — Quinta Brunson, Walton Goggins, and Scarlett Johansson, a lineup that notably does not include him. The announcement even stirred a little social media buzz, with Ben Stiller chiming in to agree with a fan who called Scott's absence a "missed opportunity."
When asked directly if he’d ever want to host, Scott didn’t miss a beat:
"Of course. It would be amazing."
As Saturday Night Live wraps up its historic 50th season, Scott’s excitement underscores just how much hosting the legendary sketch show still means in Hollywood, a coveted chance to flex some comedy muscles and connect with audiences live and unfiltered.
Adam Scott talks about his interest in hosting Saturday Night Live
Thursday's announcement of Saturday Night Live's final Season 50 hosts created a stir when Adam Scott's name wasn't among them. The show revealed that Quinta Brunson would kick off the final stretch on May 3, followed by Walton Goggins making his hosting debut, with Scarlett Johansson closing the season on May 17.
The lineup prompted one social media user to comment that Scott's absence was a "missed opportunity fr," to which comedy legend Ben Stiller replied with a simple but meaningful:
"I agree."
This brief exchange highlighted what many fans have been thinking – that the "Severance" star would make an excellent Saturday Night Live host, particularly given his comedic background and current cultural relevance.
Speaking at the Time 100 gala, where he was being honored as one of the 100 most influential people of the year, Scott elaborated on his thoughts about potentially hosting the iconic show.
"50 years of really kind of guiding culture in a lot of ways but also reacting to culture at the same time," Scott noted, acknowledging SNL's unique position in American entertainment.
Explaining:
"The cast right now is unbelievable. They're really in one of their peaks, I think."
His assessment of the current cast speaks to Saturday Night Live's continued ability to reinvent itself through generations of performers while maintaining its cultural relevance. Scott's appreciation for the show's legacy suggests he understands the significance a hosting gig would carry.
While SNL has parodied numerous buzzy series this season, including "The White Lotus" and "Anora," the Apple TV+ hit "Severance," starring Scott, has yet to receive the SNL treatment.
The show's unique premise, where employees undergo a procedure that separates their work and personal memories, offers rich material for comedy sketches. Scott's character Mark Scout and his "innie" counterpart could provide a perfect vehicle for the actor to showcase his range in the SNL format.
With "Severance" recently confirmed for a third season following critical acclaim and strong viewership for Season 2, Scott's cultural relevance continues to grow, making him an increasingly attractive potential host.
Looking ahead at Season 51
As Season 50 wraps without Scott taking the Studio 8H stage, attention naturally turns to next season's possibilities. Scott seems more than willing to answer should executive producer Lorne Michaels call.
A potential Scott-hosted episode could also reunite him with SNL alum Amy Poehler, his former "Parks and Recreation" co-star. Fans of both shows would undoubtedly appreciate seeing their chemistry rekindled in the sketch comedy format.
As Scott's star continues to rise with "Severance" and other projects, and with Ben Stiller's public endorsement, the possibilities for a Season 51 hosting gig seem increasingly favorable for the actor.
For now, fans will have to imagine what could have been – Scott navigating the fast-paced world of live sketch comedy, perhaps even bringing his "innie" along for the ride. Based on his enthusiastic response, he'd certainly welcome the opportunity to take part in what he calls "the greatest show on television."
Saturday Night Live airs live on NBC every Saturday at 11:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. PT) and is available for streaming on Peacock.