Following the announcement of Kim Kardashian’s future gig on Saturday Night Live, many were left scratching their heads at the seemingly strange choice of host.
On Wednesday, September 22, Variety released an article revealing the line-up for SNL’s upcoming season. Amongst iconic names such as actors, Rami Malek, Owen Wilson, and Jason Sudekis, was reality star, Kim Kardashian. Kardashian is set to make her hosting debut, October 9.
However, the news of the Keeping Up With The Kardashian star hosting SNL was not received well by some fans of the comedy show. Whilst some critics believed the star was “not funny enough” for the sketch show, others downright questioned the decision entirely.
Amongst confused critics was Will And Grace star, Debra Messing. Messing took to Twitter to express her confusion at the choice as she stated: “Why Kim Kardashian? I mean, I know she is a cultural icon, but SNL has hosts, generally, who are performers who are there to promote a film, TV show, or album launch. Am I missing something?”
Following the actress’ critique, fans of both Kardashian and SNL alike, took to Twitter to give Messing a little bit of insight as to what might have prompted the choice. Many highlighted how due to Kardashian’s social status and mass influence, the choice could have stemmed from SNL executives attempting to increase the views and ratings of the show.
For example, one Twitter user wrote, “Truth be told @DebraMessing, @KimKardashian just wrapped up what is likely the most successful & longest-running reality television show in history & is launching a new series on @hulu. That and her 'side gigs' @skims & @kkwbeauty made her a billionnaire. She is @nbcsnl worthy.”
Whilst another stated, “It will be one of their highest rating shows. Ain’t that the point? Show- business.”
Others slammed Messing, claiming that she was “mad she hadn’t been asked to host”.
Meanwhile, fans of Kardashian jumped to her defense against Messing. They claimed that SNL hosts did not have to exclusively be actors or musicians.
Even Colombian actor and singer, Christian Acosta, agreed with this notion. Acosta responded to Messing, stating, “Show biz is very different today than it was in the past. There’s so much more to it than just film, TV show, or album launches. Let’s remember that television used to, generally, not have LGBTQ representation and people back then also asked what they were missing. Change is good.”
Others defended Kardashian by pointing out that if Elon Musk had been given a shot at hosting, then she should too.