The Saturday Night Live stage will be welcoming a Super Bowl champion as host on May 5th. Eli Manning has been confirmed as the host for the episode, following in the footsteps of his brother Peyton Manning. SNL has to be hoping he’ll also follow in Peyton’s footsteps and bring in big ratings.
Deadline reports that the New York Giants quarterback, fresh from being fitted for his Super Bowl ring, will now show off that bling while holding the microphone for an SNL monologue. Historically, big name athletes have been ratings winners in the hosting position, and Manning is certainly at a high point in his fame. A New York Giants quarterback making the “Live from New York” announcement? That definitely sounds like ratings gold.
Manning will be joining musical guest Rihanna for the May 5th episode. She’s not exactly known for fading into the background, so it should make for a lively show. They’re an interesting combination, that’s for sure. Manning and Rihanna will be looking to top Lindsay Lohan’s 5.5 ratings in her recent appearance as host. There may even be a little sibling rivalry; Eil will have to top a 5.9 in the ratings in order to come out ahead of brother Peyton in his previous SNL hosting stint. Manning’s boy-next-door looks and sheen of victory may well make him the most successful host of the season, at least ratings-wise. It’s yet to be seen how successful he will be in terms of the funny – it’s always interesting (and sometimes pleasantly surprising) when a non-actor takes to the SNL stage.
