NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” continues to thrill with its line-up in March running the gamut from Emmy winners, to Super Bowl MVPs and U.K. rock stars and an award winning American Idol.
On March 17, “SNL” alum and actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus returns to Studio 8H and to the show where she got her start and where she made a triumphant return last season. Louis-Dreyfus, an “SNL” cast member from 1982-1985, is the first female alum to host the show. She earned worldwide acclaim and recognition for her portrayal of Elaine Benes on NBC’s “Seinfeld,” for which she received two Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, five Screen Actors Guild Awards and four American Comedy Awards during the landmark comedy’s nine years on the air. She is currently starring in the hit comedy series “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” which recently earned her another Emmy. She also had a critically praised recurring role on “Arrested Development.” Louis-Dreyfus’ film credits include, A Bug’s Life, Hannah and Her Sisters and Deconstructing Harry.
Joining Louis-Dreyfus on the show is British trio, Snow Patrol. The band, which features a fusion of a variety of alternative song styles, will perform from their hit record “Eyes Open.” The record is a chart mainstay, led by its first Grammy nominated single “Chasing Cars” which figured prominently in the second season finale of “Grey’s Anatomy.” On the strength of that song and touring all over North America, Snow Patrol became the first U.K. rock act in 13 years to break the Top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. “Eyes Open” was also the No. 1 selling album in the U.K. in 2006. The record is a follow-up to their popular major label debut “Final Straw.”
On March 24, SNL welcomes Indianapolis Colts quarterback and Super Bowl XLI MVP Peyton Manning to host. Since joining the Colts as the number one overall draft pick in 1998, Manning has rewritten the record books earning two NFL MVP Awards and making five Pro Bowl appearances prior to his stunning Super Bowl victory earlier this year. Manning has also thrown for more yards and touchdowns than any other player in that time period and is the only player in league history to pass for 4,000 yards in six consecutive games and recorded four career perfect games the most in NFL history.
Manning makes his acting debut on “SNL” and joins an illustrious list of athletes who have hosted in the show’s 32-year history including fellow NFL stars most recently Patriots QB Tom Brady as well as Joe Montana, Walter Payton, Deion Sanders along with superstars of other sports including Derek Jeter, Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, Andy Roddick, George Foreman and numerous others.
Joining Manning on March 24 is musical guest and “American Idol” winner Carrie Underwood. Since winning “Idol” in May 2005, Underwood’s debut album “Some Hearts” has sold over 5 million copies and has produced four No. 1 singles. She recently took home two Grammy Awards for Best New Artist, Best Country Female Vocal. In addition, Underwood has won two Country Music Association Awards, two Academy of Country Music Awards, two CMT Awards, 2 People’s Choice Awards and 8 Billboard Awards.
“Saturday Night Live,” is from SNL Studios in association with Broadway Video. The creator and executive producer is Lorne Michaels. Steve Higgins produces. Marci Klein and Mike Shoemaker are producers. Head writers are Seth Meyers, Paula Pell and Andrew Steele. Don Roy King directs.
