Despite 'SNL' heading into its landmark 40th season (and shedding a few players in the process), things have been curiously quiet on the front of NBC's beloved sketch comedy show, particularly with regard to its initial hosts. Now, the network confirms that 'Guardians of the Galaxy' and 'Parks and Recreation' star Chris Pratt will host the September 27 premiere with musical guest Ariana Grande, preceding comedian Sarah Silverman, while rumors suggest legendary alum Bill Murray will follow!

The network officially confirmed Pratt's hosting over Twitter, with Silverman's to follow on October 4, while Murray's hosting rumor comes courtesy of SplitSider. Where Splitsider put Murray in the premiere however, NBC corrected this to Pratt, keeping Ariana Grande in place for the September 27 season opener, while Maroon 5 accompanies Silverman. Additionally, Hozier was said to join Pratt in Splitsider's article, presumably leaving the band to Murray's rumored appearance.

In addition to the loss of voiceover veteran Don Pardo and season 39 freshmen Brooks Wheelan, Noël Wells and John Milhiser, 'SNL' season 40 will also lose Nasim Pedrad to her starring role in FOX's 'Mulaney,' though we'll at least have the three-hour 40th anniversary special in 2015 to see any other prior cast return. In the meantime, Pratt's no-brainer kickoff will surely bring out audience and internet alike, while former cast member/writer Silverman's hosting debut would make a fine follow-up, and Murray would put plenty of eyes on the anniversary season as well.

What do you think? Will 'SNL''s 40th season get off on the right foot with Chris Pratt/Ariana Grande, Sarah Silverman/Maroon 5, and potentially Bill Murray/Hozier? Stay tuned for confirmation, and tell us in the comments who you want to see host when the new season premieres this fall!

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