Two New Writers Joins SNL for Show's 40th Season

Deadline reports that two new writers will join NBC"s SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE when the show returns for its remarkable 40th season. According to the report, Nick Rutherford and Alison Rich (Smurf Misunderstandings) have signed on to the writing staff of the long running sketch comedy.

Rutherford, a former member of the Good Neighbor sketch group, will reunite with three other past members of the troop, Beck Bennett, Kyle Mooney and Dave McCary, who all joined last season. While Bennett and Mooney are also featured players, McCary serves as a segment director.

SNL's 40th season starts with Chris Pratt taking the 8H stage as host. The "Parks and Recreation" actor starred in this summer's box office smash "Guardians of the Galaxy," and will be seen in the upcoming film "Jurassic World."

Ariana Grande will make her SNL musical guest debut. Grande is currently sitting at Number One on the Billboard 200 chart with her album "My Everything," a year after her major label debut "Yours Truly" topped the chart.

On October 4, Sarah Silverman will return to 8H for her first time as host. Taken from Silverman's Emmy-winning HBO special, her comedy album "Sarah Silverman: We Are Miracles" is due out September 23.

Maroon 5 returns for their fifth appearance as musical guest on October 4. The Grammy Award winning group's latest album, "V," has already sparked hits including "Maps" and "Animals."

"Saturday Night Live" is produced in association with Broadway Video. The creator and executive producer is Lorne Michaels.

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