Maya Rudolph Emerges From Studio 8H Closet After 17 Years of Hiding in ‘SNL’ Promo

Maya Rudolph‘s Saturday Night Live hosting gig appears to be a long time in the making. In this week’s promo for the actress’ upcoming episode, the SNL alum emerges from a Studio 8H closet after 17 years in hiding.

SNL castmembers Andrew Dismukes and Chloe Troast find Rudolph in her hiding place, where she sits in a prairie-like outfit and tells them over a bowl of oatmeal, “Oh, hello there! I wasn’t expecting visitors.”

The Loot star goes on to tell the shocked comedians she’s been there since 2007 when she left SNL after seven years as a castmember.

“Why would I leave? I have everything I need here,” she says, pointing to “my books, my porridge, my dear friend Kenny.” The camera then pans to a mop with googly eyes.

When Troast asks, “Aren’t you supposed to be hosting this week?” Rudolph responds, “Oh I am. Would you guys mind closing the door? I’m going to need to freshen up.”

At that, Rudolph magically appears via a puff of smoke behind the castmembers, dressed and ready to go. “See you Saturday,” she tells them and walks down the hall.

In actuality, Rudolph has kept quite busy in the 17 years she claims to have stayed in the closet — including returning twice before as host, the last time in 2021.

She will host for a third time this weekend, with musical guest Vampire Weekend. Following Rudolph, Jake Gyllenhaal and Sabrina Carpenter will close out the sketch show’s 49th season.