SNL Hires Sasheer Zamata!

Take the stage Ms. Zamata!

After Maya Rudolph left in 2007, SNL, one of the longest running variety sketch comedies had no Black female comedians. Maya Rudolph came on occasions to fill the spotter for Michelle Obama spoofs, but on a temporary basis.

A brief controversy brewed when the two Black comedians voiced concern about the lack of diversity in talent on the NBC program.

Now SNL made good on its word and hired Black comedian Sasheer Zamata to complete the remaining season.

SNL alum Jay Pharoah spoke out last October, saying the show needed black women in the cast, even offering up some suggestions of specific performers. Later, Kenan Thompson drew fire for saying the black women who had auditioned were never “ready” to join the cast.

Things came to a head in November when Kerry Washington hosted the show and drew self-conscious attention to the issue by playing both Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey in the same sketch.

For all its worth, we will see how Sasheer handles things. She will make a debut around the time entertainer Drake makes his appearance as guest/ musical host.

SNL is one of the most unique sketch comedies. It's been a part of Broadway and the New York scene for quite some time.

Head writer and creator Lorne Michaels did an all out search.

SNL is best known for the show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics and are performed by a large and varying cast of repertory and newer cast members. Each episode is hosted by a celebrity guest, who usually delivers an opening monologue and performs in sketches with the cast, and features performances by a musical guest. An episode normally begins with a cold open sketch that ends with someone breaking character and proclaiming, "Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!", beginning the show proper.