John Mulaney Hosts 'SNL' for Seventh Time With Phoebe Bridgers

By Elena Vasquez

John Mulaney will host "Saturday Night Live" for the seventh time on Nov. 14, with Phoebe Bridgers as musical guest, NBC's late-night sketch series announced. Mulaney, a writer on the show for four seasons from 2008 to 2012, remains one of its most frequent hosts. Alec Baldwin holds the record with 17 stints.

The announcement rounds out the next block of Season 52 episodes. The season premiered Sept. 26 with New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson as host and K-pop group Katseye as musical guest.

What does the Nov. 7 episode change?

Druski headlines the Nov. 7 episode, becoming the first digital content creator ever to front the series. The Strokes will serve as musical guest that night — the band's fifth time in the slot. They are currently on tour supporting their album "Reality Awaits."

Druski's episode precedes the December release of his scripted Netflix series "Collect and Praise." His hosting debut marks a shift for a franchise that has historically drawn hosts from film, television, sports and stand-up.

Who joins Mulaney on Nov. 14?

Phoebe Bridgers performs during Mulaney's episode, her third appearance as musical guest. She debuted on "SNL" in 2021 and returned with Boygenius collaborators Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker. She is currently touring behind her recent album "Lost Weekend."

Mulaney, meanwhile, appears in the upcoming Amazon Prime Video film "Madden" and is on a stand-up tour titled "Mister Whatever." His seven hosting turns place him among the show's all-time leaders, though still ten behind Baldwin's 17.

What has happened so far in Season 52?

The season's early episodes have already generated headlines:

• Sept. 26: Jalen Brunson hosted; Katseye performed. Season 52 premiere.
• Oct. 3: Dakota Johnson hosted with musical guest Turnstile; the episode featured a cameo from Taylor Swift.
• Oct. 10: Shane Gillis hosted for the third time. His monologue drew immediate controversy for a joke saying women "dress like whores" at the gym. He also dropped an f-bomb during a sketch.
• Halloween episode: As previously announced, "Obsession" star Inde Navarette headlines with Gracie Abrams.

Why does the booking pattern matter?

Two episodes in November pair a marquee host with a touring musician promoting new material — Mulaney with Bridgers, Druski with the Strokes. The Druski booking extends the show's host pool to internet-native talent for the first time in 52 seasons. Whether that door stays open will depend on the Nov. 7 ratings and the December arrival of "Collect and Praise."