Chris Martin & Co. Think Kenan Thompson Looks Pretty Great for Being on ‘SNL’ 50 Years: ‘Thanks, Coldplay’
Written by djfrosty on October 3, 2024
When Saturday Night Live debuted in 1975, Kenan Thompson wasn’t even born yet — but Coldplay and Nate Bargatze think the longtime castmember has always been on the show.
“So Kenan, you have been on the show 50 whole years,” Bargatze says to Thompson in new promos for this weekend’s episode. “That’s amazing. How does it feel? … You had to be, what, 10 when it started?”
“You think I’m 60 years old?” Thompson says in disbelief.
“You look amazing for your age!” Bargatze adds, with Coldplay’s Chris Martin chiming in “You really do,” as his bandmates nod along.
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“Aw, thanks, Coldplay,” Thompson says.
Sure, Thompson is the longest-tenured castmember in the show’s history — joining in 2003 and now in his 21st season on the sketch comedy show — but he’s just 46 years old, so he missed a few of the early years. (Fun fact: Thompson was the first regular castmember to be born after the show’s 1975 premiere.)
Elsewhere in the promos, Thompson pokes fun at his long tenure. “This is what I love about SNL,” Thompson says. “People from all over the world coming together to put on a show.”
“I’m from America!” Bargatze says, while Martin adds, “We’re from not America!” Then Thompson admits: “I’m from just behind the door, right over there. Born and raised. All my life, right here.”
Coldplay are returning to the show for an eighth time as musical guest, promoting their brand-new album Moon Music, out Friday. Comedian Bargatze is returning as host for a second time after making his SNL debut last year.
SNL season 50 premiered last weekend, with Jean Smart hosting and Jelly Roll as musical guest.
Watch Bargatze and Coldplay’s Saturday Night Live promos below, and catch the new episode on Saturday (Oct. 5) at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT on NBC, before it streams on Peacock.