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Reese Witherspoon Reflects on Controversial SNL Hosting Post-9/11

11/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Reese Witherspoon hosted Saturday Night Live on September 29, 2001, shortly after the 9/11 attacks.
On Dax Shepard's podcast, she said the hosting did not reference 9/11 and added, "I would give that zero stars. Do not recommend."
Lorne Michaels urged her to host to help restore the national spirit.
The episode featured Paul Simon and then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
Witherspoon did not return to SNL for nearly 15 years.

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Story summary

Reese Witherspoon hosted Saturday Night Live on September 29, 2001, shortly after the 9/11 attacks.
On Dax Shepard's podcast, she said the hosting did not reference 9/11 and added, "I would give that zero stars. Do not recommend."
Lorne Michaels urged her to host to help restore the national spirit.
The episode featured Paul Simon and then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
Witherspoon did not return to SNL for nearly 15 years.