‘Saturday Night Live’ preview: Dakota Johnson – Taran Killam prom has us hopeful

Is it fair to be concerned about this weekend’s new episode of “Saturday Night Live“? We think so. Anytime you have a movie star on, the concern is that live comedy is as different as different can be within the same field. There are no multiple takes here, and there are cue cards. Reading those can prove to be quite a challenge for some.

After watching the new promo below with Dakota Johnson, though, we actually are feeling pretty optimistic. Her sense of humor seems on-point, she has good timing and chemistry with Taran Killam, and she isn’t afraid to throw her voice here and there. The part of this revolving around the two of them begging Dakota’s mom Melanie Griffith to see “Fifty Shades of Grey” is particularly hilarious. (Hopefully, this will put an end to people asking her this inane question at red-carpet events.)

Taran and Dakota are going to be joined on the show this weekend by none other than musical guest Alabama Shakes, who have been on the show before and were pretty brilliant then. We always like it when at least one of the host / alumni combo has some experience; even with Dakota, she’s at least met most of the people before at the 40th anniversary special, where she had a small cameo.

In case you’re wondering where Dakota’s comedy chops come from, she was a regular on the underrated (and sadly canceled) Fox show “Ben and Kate” alongside Nat Faxon. She typically was the non-crazy person on that show.

Are you more excited after watching this? Share in the comments, and head over here to see which movie superhero will be hosting the show after Dakota does! Also, sign up now if you want to acquire some further TV updates on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: NBC.)