Chris Rock To Host 'SNL' With Musical Guest Prince On Nov. 1

A former Saturday Night Live cast member, comedian and actor Chris Rock will be returning to the Saturday night staple, but this time as a guest host. The announcement were made Tuesday, as was the statement that megastar Prince will be the musical guest.

SNL is in its 40th season, and Rock will be the third former SNL star to come back to the show during this time. He's following the likes of comedian Sarah Silverman and actor Bill Hader.

The news comes as Saturday Night Live took to its Twitter to say, "We're so excited to welcome back @chrisrock and musical guest Prince (@3RDEYEGIRL) for our November 1 show! #SNL #SNL40."

In response, Rock tweeted, "I'm back" with a link to his WhoSay page.

"Rock hosted once before, way back in 1996, and Prince has been a musical guest twice before, in 1981 and in 2006 — certainly long enough ago that both are due for return visits."

Saturday Night Live premiered its 40th season this year on NBC, with host Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy) and musical guest Ariana Grande with former cast member Darrell Hammond.

Stars rarely go on the late night show without having something to promote. Rock is no different, as he will be promoting his upcoming movie Top Five.

"It was an awesome blend of heart, raunch and classic New York filmmaking. It was absolutely hilarious," Paramount worldwide president Megan Colligan said of the movie.

According to a report in September by The Hollywood Reporter, big studios like Paramount don't necessarily buy festival film titles, but Paramount was impressed with Rock's film.