Coldplay's Chris Martin Praises Kenan Thompson's Longevity on 'SNL'

When Saturday Night Live first graced our screens in 1975, Kenan Thompson was still a twinkle in his parents’ eyes—literally not even a concept in the universe of possibility. Fast forward to 2023, and here we have Coldplay and the comedian Nate Bargatze, clearly operating under the impression that Thompson has been on the show since the dawn of time.

In a cheeky exchange from new promos for this weekend’s episode, Bargatze quips to Thompson, “So Kenan, you have been on the show for a full 50 years. That’s amazing. How does it feel? You had to be, what, 10 when it started?” The audacity of such a question is almost delightful.

Thompson, with a mix of disbelief and amusement, fires back, “You think I’m 60 years old?” It’s a delightful moment, the kind where we’re reminded that humor often resides in the space between genuine curiosity and sheer folly. Bargatze, not one to humble himself, responds with an enthusiastic, “You look amazing for your age!” And as if summoned by the humor gods, Chris Martin of Coldplay adds, “You really do.” It’s a panel of praise from a band that has been serenading us for far too long.

“Aw, thanks, Coldplay,” Thompson chuckles. And while it’s true that he is indeed the longest-tenured cast member in the history of SNL, having sauntered onto the scene in 2003, happily inserted into our lives for 21 glorious seasons, he’s merely 46 years young! (A quick footnote for your trivia night: Thompson was the first regular cast member born after SNL made its debut. Take that, history!)

In another gem of the promos, Thompson can’t help but poke fun at the absurdity of his prolonged tenure. “This is what I love about SNL,” he says. “People from all over the world coming together to put on a show.”

“I’m from America!” Bargatze chimes in, while Martin cheekily states, “We’re from not America!” Ah, the irony of international camaraderie, all while Thompson, with a twinkling eye, admits, “I’m from just behind the door, right over there. Born and raised. All my life, right here.”

And speaking of well-established ensembles, Coldplay is gracing the SNL stage for an eighth time with their latest album, Moon Music, hitting shelves on Friday. Bargatze, meanwhile, will be hosting this creative circus for the second time after he made his debut just a year ago. With SNL's season 50 rolling out last weekend—featuring the charming Jean Smart as host and Jelly Roll lighting up the musical guest spot—there’s never a dull moment in this Saturday night ritual.

So, mark your calendars and adjust your alarms: Bargatze and Coldplay’s antics on Saturday Night Live await you this Saturday (October 5) at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT on NBC, followed by a cozy streaming session on Peacock. Because who doesn’t want to be part of a world that feels just a tad more harmonious, with a sprinkle of chaos?