Kenan Thompson may bring beloved ‘SNL’ characters to 2022 Emmys

The 2022 Emmys are just a few short weeks away and “Saturday Night Live” icon Kenan Thompson is ready to host television’s hottest night.

The Nickelodeon alum, 44, recently divulged that a few of his beloved characters from the NBC sketch show might be may take the stage at Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theater come Sept. 12.

“I love doing a character,” he told Entertainment Weekly earlier this week. “I would say the odds are probably pretty high because I’m down to do it.”

Thompson said his “SNL” character skits could help “keep the energy up” at the awards show and “not have everything seem so predictable or mundane.”

Specifically, the comedian noted his character Diondre Cole from the recurring sketch “What Up With That?” may make it onto the Emmys.

The “Kenan & Kel” star is also anxious to do a musical number on the grand stage at the Microsoft Theater. “That’s always where everything seems very grand and talent is definitely on display,” he said.

The father of two revealed that his fellow “SNL” castmates have helped him prep for hosting the ceremony next month.

“A large majority of [my co-stars] are usually improv people, so they’re used to just firing off. Whatever you say triggers a reaction from them,” he said. “So ‘SNL’ taught me to always be ready, always be thinking. Especially when you’re around those kinds of people.”

Thompson will begin his 20th season on “SNL” later this fall and is also no stranger to the Emmys as a six-time award nominee.

He scored two nods in 2021 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his comedy series “Kenan” and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for “SNL.”

In 2018, he won a golden statuette for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for the “SNL” song “Come Back, Barack.”

Thompson was announced as the 2022 Emmys host earlier this year. “Being a part of this incredible evening where we honor the best of the television community is ridiculously exciting, and to do it on NBC – my longtime network family – makes it even more special,” he gushed in a statement.”

“Like all TV fans, I can’t wait to see the stars from my favorite shows.”

The 74th Emmy Awards are set to air Monday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on NBC.