SNL Alum Chris Parnell Reveals Dislike for Tom Green's Unconventional Hosting Stint

The former cast member felt Green turned his 2000 episode into 'The Tom Green Show' instead of a traditional SNL installment.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:20pm

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Saturday Night Live alum Chris Parnell has opened up about his distaste for Tom Green's unorthodox hosting stint on the show in 2000. Parnell, who was part of the SNL cast for eight seasons, said Green's episode veered too far from the show's typical format, with the host turning it into more of 'The Tom Green Show' than a traditional SNL installment. Parnell felt the creative decisions made during Green's episode, which were supported by producer Lorne Michaels, did not work for him.

Why it matters

Parnell's comments shed light on the creative tensions that can sometimes arise between SNL cast members and unconventional celebrity hosts who push the boundaries of the show's format. While Michaels was open to Green's experimental approach, Parnell's perspective highlights how drastic changes to the show's typical flow can be jarring for long-time cast members.

The details

Green hosted SNL only once, in 2000 during the show's 26th season. Parnell, who was part of the cast for eight seasons, said Green 'really turned that episode into The Tom Green Show.' Parnell noted that Michaels was 'fully on board' with Green's creative vision, even appearing in a sketch with the host in a bathtub. However, Parnell felt the 'humor didn't work' for him, and he believed Michaels thought Green would be 'the next Andy Kaufman' with his unconventional approach.

  • Tom Green hosted Saturday Night Live in 2000 during Season 26.

The players

Chris Parnell

A former cast member of Saturday Night Live who was part of the show for eight seasons.

Tom Green

A Canadian comedian who hosted Saturday Night Live once in 2000, infusing the episode with his own unique and experimental style of comedy.

Lorne Michaels

The creator and producer of Saturday Night Live, who was supportive of Tom Green's unconventional approach to hosting the show.

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What they’re saying

“Tom Green, for sure, because he really turned that episode into The Tom Green Show. Lorne was fully on board for it — one of the sketches was Lorne in a bathtub with him. Lorne's a genius, for sure, but I think he thought Tom Green was, like, the next Andy Kaufman or something. The humor didn't work for me at all in that show.”

— Chris Parnell, Former SNL Cast Member

The takeaway

Parnell's comments highlight the creative tensions that can arise when unconventional celebrity hosts push the boundaries of SNL's traditional format, even when the show's producer is supportive of their experimental approach. This episode serves as a reminder that not every host will resonate with the entire cast, and that balancing creative visions can be a delicate process.