This may be late, but comedian Margaret Cho spoke to The Warp magazine about Republican candidate Donald Trump hosting Saturday Night Live. Cho openly criticized SNL for letting “a known racist, a known sexist” like Trump host the show. She even addressed the show’s lack of Asian American representations during their 41-year history. Cho’s words got me thinking about what actors or singers should host the longest running comedy. Not just any actors or singers, Asian American actors and singers! Even though Trump’s episode has past, I still want to post my Top 5 choices because I can.
Here are my five actors and singers I want to see host the show:
Aziz Ansari
Currently starring in Netflix’s hit show Master Of None, Ansari is a hilarious comedian who has addressed racism and sexism through his brilliant comedy material. I can picture him in my head during a monologue about how his success brought him to SNL stage. Ansari can also talk about lack of minority representation in his humorous way that will engage audience and look forward to his SNL show.
Steven Yeun
Known for his role as Glenn Rhee on The Walking Dead, Steven Yeun would be a wonderful choice to host the show. Can you imagine SNL use their own theory as to what really happened to Glenn on Walking Dead? Not only does Yeun fights off zombies, he has displayed his comedy chops in skit with Korean girl group, 2ne1, member Dara called “What’s Eating Steven Yeun” through Korea’s answer to Funny Or Die, Be Funny Studios. If Yeun does host SNL, I’m sure it will be similar or better than his “Eating” skit.
Constance Wu
Her portrayal of Eddie Hwang’s mother on ABC’s Fresh Off The Boat, Constance Wu is no stranger to comedy. Wu is quick-witted and charismatic on-screen that it would be excellent to add her to SNL’s hosting potential roaster. I can see her doing Taran Killam and Vanessa Bayer’s skit, “J-Pop America Funtime Now.” This “J-Pop” skit parodies people who have a narrow idea of Japanese pop culture. Wu’s appearance to the show would be hilarious as she calls out on Killam and Bayer’s characters of not understanding Japanese culture or noticing that she is Chinese. Oh, the possibilities are endless.
Mindy Kaling
Best known for shows such as The Office and The Mindy Project, Mindy Kaling is a best fit for SNL’s contemporary humor. Comedian, actress, and writer Kaling has the sense of humor that keeps audience on their toes. They can relate to her context because most of Kaling’s humor is like a slice-of-life kind. Kaling will open the show with an excellent monologue on rehearsing for the show and charm her audience with her material. If Kaling becomes their next host, SNL will have a wonderful time with her.
Ki Hong Lee
After his success in films like Maze Runner and Everything Before Us, Ki Hong Lee would be another wonderful addition to SNL’s hosting choices. Like Yeun, Lee starred in a Be Funny skit, parodying his movie Maze Runner with Korean boy group 2PM’s Taecyeon and Nichkhun, singer Kangnam, and singer NS-Yoon G. He also appeared in numerous shorts with YouTuber Wong Fu Productions. Picturing him showing his comedic skills, Lee will not have problems hosting a show like SNL.
Lucy Liu
She. Needs. To. Come. Back! Hosted the show back in 2000 as the first Asian women on SNL, Lucy Liu has exceled herself as an actress. She starred in movies like Charlie’s Angels and TV shows like Elementary. The actress has graced her audience with her elegance and fierce acting. Coming back to SNL as a host will be amazing.
Honorable Mentions:
Harry Shum Jr. (Glee), Ken Jeong (Hangover, Community, Dr. Ken), and, of course, Margaret Cho.
While this list may not reach out SNL creator Lorne Michaels, let’s hope SNL will bring more people with potential of giving a memorable show.
