‘Saturday Night Live’: ‘Scandal’s’ Kerry Washington signs on to host; Eminem to perform

“Saturday Night Live” just became a little bit scandalous, at least in the form of one of the biggest stars currently in television. Kerry Washington, who is best known for playing the Olivia Pope character on “Scandal” over on rival ABC, is being brought in to host the November 2 installment of the show. As for the musical guest, it will be the sixth appearance from Eminem on the program. This is the sort of mix of new talent and returning favorites that producers covet. Even though Edward Norton and Janelle Monae are both making their debuts with the show on October 26, Norton has made cameos on the series in the past.

For Kerry, we’re sure already that there are those saying that her casting was brought on by Kenan Thompson’s comments as to why there are not many black female cast members on the show. However, do you really think that Lorne Michaels just picked up the phone and made this happen over the past few days? Kerry has a big-time hit show, and this is the sort of booking that takes time since there has to be a hole in her schedule in order to do it.

But we do think that she will do a great job, given that she has a long history of playing a variety of different roles long before finally landing the one that turned her into a star. She hasn’t done a ton of comedy, but she does have an episode of “Psych” on her resume and comes across naturally light-hearted in interviews. She should ultimately be a good host, and expect almost immediately for there to be some sort of “Scandal” spoof with Taran Killam starring as his own version of Fitz and Vanessa Bayer Mellie. If they can find a spot for Bobby Moynihan in here as Cyrus (even if the two look nothing alike), we think that it would be nothing short of perfection.

Are you as high on the idea of Kerry hosting “SNL” as we are? Be sure to share your thoughts on her getting the gig below! Meanwhile, be sure to also click here if you want to read our review of this past episode complete with performance highlights.

Photo: ABC