SNL

Pete Buttigieg still has big plans for his political future, but for now, he's down to chill out and catch up on sleep ... until he tries his hand as a late-night TV talk show host.

The ex-presidential candidate says his campaign was just the beginning for him, and even though he dropped out of the race he's still hoping to make himself useful down the line ... which we already know means backing Joe Biden to take on Donald Trump.

For now, though, Pete says he's enjoying the slower pace of life off the campaign trail and will be doing some R, R & R ... resting, recuperating and reflecting.

Buttigieg obviously can't relax for too long -- he's set to guest host Thursday on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and says he'd also love to pop in on "Saturday Night Live."

Elizabeth Warren looked herself in the mirror Saturday night ... actually, she was just looking at Kate McKinnon who was playing her on 'SNL,' and it was pretty funny.

The Massachusetts senator took the stage and first answered questions from Kate, who was playing FNC's Laura Ingraham, who debriefed Warren on her exit from the race and the endorsement everyone wants to hear.

Then, as Warren thanked her supporters -- various school teachers and teacher's pets -- Kate changed outfits and came out as EW.

Eddie Murphy made a crack on 'SNL' at Bill Cosby's expense -- and the incarcerated comedian didn't appreciate it one bit ... with his rep calling Ed a "Slave" to Tinseltown.

Cosby's rep, Andrew Wyatt, posted a scathing response Sunday to Eddie's joke -- and it's pretty brutal. Wyatt, speaking on behalf of Bill, writes ... "Mr. Cosby became the first Black to win an Emmy for his role in I Spy and Mr. Cosby broke color barriers in the Entertainment Industry, so that Blacks like Eddie Murphy, Dave Chappell, Kevin Hart and et al., could have an opportunity to showcase their talents for many generations to come."

He went on ... "It is sad that Mr. Murphy would take this glorious moment of returning to SNL and make disparaging remarks against Mr. Cosby," going on to add, "One would think that Mr. Murphy was given his freedom to leave the plantation, so that he could make his own decisions; but he decided to sell himself back to being a Hollywood Slave."

Wyatt continues by comparing Eddie to vaudevillian actor Stepin Fetchit, and said "cooning" equals the destruction of black men in Hollywood. Then ... he offered a truce of sorts.

The guy invites Eddie to meet with Bill in hopes of "having a meeting of the minds" to help the black community instead of tearing it down -- something BC apparently thinks Eddie is doing by taking shots at him on national television.

ICYMI, Eddie joked if you would've told him 30 years ago he'd be this stay-at-home dad like he is now with so many kids (10 of 'em) while the Cos himself was in jail ... he would've taken that bet. He then imitated Cosby's voice, calling himself "America's Dad."

Pete Davidson took many people aback on 'SNL' by seemingly announcing he was going to rehab for the holidays -- and if he's serious ... Alonzo Bodden has some advice.

We ran into the comic Sunday at LAX and asked him to weigh in on what appeared to be Pete implying he'd be checking into a rehab facility soon -- something he danced around on 'Weekend Update' without saying "rehab." It couldn't have been clearer though.

Alonzo -- who's a recovering alcoholic -- tells us he doesn't know Pete, but acknowledges there's usually more going on behind a person's public persona.

That said, he explains how rehab is different for everybody -- as no one goes in for just one thing. So long as whoever checks in gets the specific treatment they need for whatever their issue is, that's all that matters. If Pete falls into that category, AB wishes him the best.

As for whether going public with the potential rehab stint is a good idea, Alonzo's got some thoughts there as well. He says it's a double-edged sword, which can pay off big time.

Eddie Murphy hasn't been on 'SNL' for 35 years, but his return Saturday night was worth waiting for ... and hilarious!

A bunch of celebs flocked to the show and the after-party ... and the after-party went on for a long time ... which included Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Larry David, John McEnroe, Usher, Questlove, Luenell and Donald Glover.

During the show, Eddie reprised some of his best roles ... Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood, Buckwheat and the house fav ... Gumby! Colin Jost totally lost it during the bit.

As for Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood ... well, it featured a much older Mr. Robinson who's now a property squatter.

There was also an insanely funny sketch about 'Masked Singer' ... you just gotta watch it.

Lizzo performed during the SNL. One of the songs -- "Good as Hell" -- featured Lizzo in a tuxedo-like outfit. The entire back half of the outfit is transparent while twerking ... fun callback to the whole Laker's controversy where she twerked on the hardwood and her butt was exposed.

The Peloton controversy might be big laughs for 'SNL' -- but the guy who plays the husband in that ad is pissed, because while everyone else is laughing ... he's flooded with hate mail.

Sean Hunter was out in Hermosa Beach, CA Saturday night .. after he'd seen 'SNL' take not one, but two shots at the Peloton spot that seemed to urge men to buy the exercise bike for their wives for Christmas. You can tell in the video ... Sean's still in his feelings over all the backlash.

If ya missed it, Colin Jost took a direct shot during the Weekend Update segment, calling the ad sexist ... but added a really funny punchline. Sean says the joke was "frustrating" to him.

He added 'SNL' was "reinforcing that that's what people are thinking about it. I don't feel that way. That's not the truth about the commercial at all."

Sean says he's in no mood to laugh about the commercial yet, because of what keeps popping up on his social media.

Interestingly, he said he WAS entertained by the Aviation Gin ad his costar, Monica Ruiz, did ... which clearly poked fun at the theory Sean was playing an emotionally abusive husband in the spot.

As for getting his own Peloton? Sean, whose day job is being an elementary school teacher, sure seemed to be in the market earlier on Saturday. He was checking out a ride in an L.A. Peloton store.

Apparently, he was just window shopping -- or looking for some publicity -- because he explained why there won't be one under his tree this year.

Pete Davidson seems to be over chastising misbehaved crowds at his stand-up shows -- so now, he's putting his money where their mouths are with a very expensive NDA.

According to reports, the 'SNL' star has recently been having fans sign non-disclosure agreements in order to see his live shows ... one of which was put on blast by an annoyed ticket holder who posted screenshots of the alleged document that she says was emailed to her prior to the show. It was for his SF stop right before Thanksgiving.

The woman says the agreement has strict rules -- no phones inside, and no commentary about his content in any way, shape or form thereafter, especially online.

Oh, and if ya break those rules and get found out by Pete and co. ... you're subject to a million dollar fine, plus any other expenses incurred for your conduct. The document reads, "In the event of breach of this agreement, individual shall pay company, upon demand, as liquidated damages, the sum of one million dollars, plus any out of pocket expense."

It's not uncommon for comedians to demand phones be surrendered before coming into a venue that's gonna host them ... but the million-dollar NDA seems pretty over the top.

Then again ... Pete has had issues lately with stand-up gigs, whether it's for one reason or another. And on at least one occasion, he's unloaded on his audience for crappy etiquette.

Pete Davidson and Kaia Gerber are coming out of the shadows and into broad daylight with their relationship ... sealing it with not just a kiss, but a full-blown tongue war.

The couple was spotted Saturday in a heavy make-out sesh down in Miami, where they were lounging poolside at a hotel and passing the time with mouthfuls of kisses. They were both covered up too -- seems the only the heat rays they need these days are from each other.

After some lip-locking Kaia caressed Pete's head, whispering sweet nothings to him, which prompted him to give her another peck. They look good as a pair, no doubt.

This outing -- literally and figuratively -- comes just a few days after they were seen smooching at a music venue in NYC, where they had the cover of darkness to somewhat conceal what they were doing. Before that, they'd been seen all over Manhattan together.

Secret's out now though ... they're boo'd up and apparently lovin' it. Especially Kaia, who's 8 years younger than the 26-year-old 'SNL' star, but possibly even more famous than him.

Pete Davidson and Kaia Gerber are making it official -- unintentionally, we think, but they're finally at the kissing in public stage of their situtationship.

The 'SNL' star and model, who's 8 years younger than him, were out Monday night at Webster Hall in NYC to catch singer Charlotte Lawrence in concert. Pete and Kaia had a great view from the balcony, but their eyes were mostly on each other.

At one point, they went in for a smooch -- and were standing with each other pretty much the entire time. It looks like they came back for seconds later in the show.

Pete was rocking his signature hoodie look, but when he kissed Kaia he lost the hood ... meaning he ain't being shy about them being a couple.

PD and KG have been hanging out a lot lately -- they were seen going into her apartment together after a late night on the town, and have been pretty much inseparable since late October, when they first hooked up over a meal in the Big Apple.

Pete Davidson and Kaia Gerber sure seem like a couple ... of course they're a couple, and if there was any doubt, check out the photos.

A photog got the two turning in for the night -- 3:30 AM to be exact -- after Pete assumed the role of Michael Avenatti on "Saturday Night Live."

BTW ... Pete turned 26 Saturday, so his 18-year-old GF hit up the famed Magnolia Bakery in the West Village and scooped up a large, round birthday cake and banana pudding.

They entered her apartment together at 3:30 AM after his SNL performance and after-party in New York.

They've been pretty much inseparable for about a month. The first time we saw them together was at a New York City restaurant on Oct. 24.

Pete Davidson is taking full advantage of his single life, grabbing a bite with a smoking-hot model ... who happens to be Cindy Crawford's not-so-little girl!!!

The comedian was spotted Tuesday at Sadelle's in New York City ... grabbing lunch with 18-year-old Kaia Gerber.

We know, we know -- no food on their plates. Spare us the model jokes ... their grub probably hadn't come out yet. But yeah, models aren't known for massive appetites.

The lunch outing is interesting because Pete was reportedly seen leaving Kaia's apartment Wednesday. We don't know yet if it's a romantic hook-up or just a friend-zone thing -- but either way, Pete's been doing just fine since his split from Ariana Grande.

As we've reported ... Pete and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" actress Margaret Qualley were super tight in Italy last month. They've since broken up ... if you can call it that after just 2 months of dating.

Before that, Pete was all boo'd up with Kate Beckinsale -- so yeah ... he's good.

Ditto for Kaia ... Cindy and Rande Gerber's daughter's blown-up in the modeling world in the last year. It makes perfect sense she and Pete would, at the very least, be running in the same circles.

Taylor Swift and her BF are busting out of their usual shells ... and it already has fans buzzing there could've been a secret marriage -- but we think those fans are blind.

Tay Tay celebrated her 'SNL' performance Saturday night in NYC by attending the cast after-party at Zuma, and she brought actor Joe Alwyn with her too. The couple -- who've been dating since 2017 -- rarely do public appearances together, but they were all PDA'd up as they entered the party.

Joe and Taylor were hand-in-hand, but fans noticed a new diamond ring on Taylor's free hand. Cue the Internet speculation from Swifties that their hero is engaged or even ... already married!!!

Only problem with that theory is the ring is on Taylor's right hand, NOT her left. It's possible Joe and Taylor are changing all the rules, we guess. But, let's keep it real ... Taylor strikes us as more of a traditional.

Sorry, Swifties. But, uhhh ... she was good on 'SNL.' How 'bout seeing "False God" live for the first time? That counts for something, right?

Andrew Yang's call for forgiveness is falling on deaf ears -- Shane Gillis just got his ass canned from 'SNL' before he could even appear on an episode ... following his racist joke controversy.

An 'SNL spokesperson on behalf of Lorne Michaels said after execs talked with Shane, they've decided he will NOT be joining 'SNL' for the new season. The spokesperson says, "We want SNL to have a variety of voices and points of view within the show, and we hired Shane on the strength of his talent as a comedian and his impressive audition for SNL."

They went on to say, "We were not aware of his prior remarks that have surfaced over the past few days. The language he used is offensive, hurtful and unacceptable. We are sorry that we did not see these clips earlier, and that our vetting process was not up to our standard."

As we've reported ... Shane has been under fire for the past few days for using several racial slurs against Asians in a podcast from about a year ago. According to reports, that was just one example of him hurling racial epithets against Asians.

Some critics said a simple Google search would've easily led anyone to these past offensive remarks, and it was obvious 'SNL' brass just didn't do that with Shane.

Presidential candidate Yang weighed-in on the controversy this weekend, saying we should all forgive Shane ... adding that he did not want the guy to lose his job.

Welp ... looks like the kumbaya approach wasn't cutting it for NBC. They just cut bait and ate a little crow while doing so.

As for Shane, he responded to the news as well ... and his statement is interesting. He says, "It feels ridiculous for comedians to be making serious public statements but here we are. I'm a comedian who was funny enough to get SNL. That can't be taken away."

Shane adds, "Of course I wanted an opportunity to prove myself at SNL, but I understand it would be too much of a distraction. I respect the decision they made. I'm honestly grateful for the opportunity. I was always a mad tv guy anyway."

Guess that's his attempt at one last burn on his way out the door.

Andrew Yang says folks should forgive Shane Gillis -- the newest cast member on 'SNL' -- over racist remarks he made about Asians ... and more importantly, ease up on seeking retribution.

The presidential hopeful -- who's Taiwanese-American -- went on CNN Sunday to elaborate on his thoughts from these past couple days ... calling for Shane to NOT lose his new job at "Saturday Night Live," but instead ... to be forgiven and used as a teachable moment.

As we reported ... as soon as Shane was announced as a member of the cast for the upcoming season, people dug up an old video of him making racist jokes about Asians. He has since apologized to those offended, saying he sometimes "pushes boundaries."

There's been a mixed reaction to Yang's approach -- as he tells Jake Tapper -- but he defends his position, saying our society has become too punitive in these scenarios, and that we as a country should strive to be better ... opting for forgiveness when possible.

He makes another interesting point, arguing Asian epithets are often not taken as seriously as others made about other ethnic groups ... despite being just as hurtful.

Still, even with that said ... he says we should let this one go, especially considering that Shane is a comedian, and -- in Andrew's eyes -- their words should be taken in that context.

Of course, Yang has offered to sit down with Shane to discuss the issue further -- going on to say he doesn't support the guy losing his job, adding that in the big picture of Shane's past work ... he just doesn't find Shane to be "malignant or evil" in his intentions.

Eddie Murphy is going back to his roots to do what most people thought would NEVER happen -- he's hosting "Saturday Night Live."

'SNL' just announced Eddie will be hosting the December 21 episode ... his first time doing so in 35 years!!! It's huge news for Eddie who rose to fame as a standout 'SNL' regular back in the day. He was so big, he even stepped up to host in 1982 when someone canceled at the last minute.

The episode Eddie's hosting is typically the big blowout before the holiday break ... so count on loads of laughs, and probably lots of guest appearances.

Returning to 'SNL' is the next piece in Eddie's return to the limelight. We broke the story ... Eddie is locked in talks with Netflix for an undisclosed number of comedy specials, with negotiations hovering around $70 MILLION for the deal.

As you know ... he's also making a long-anticipated big screen return with the 'Coming to America" sequel. He's already been spotted on set in Georgia in full regalia as Prince Akeem.

Gotta hand it to Eddie ... dude knows how to mount a major comeback!!!

Kristen Wiig's officially off the market ... TMZ's learned she's engaged.

The former "Saturday Night Live" star and her longtime boyfriend, Avi Rothman, have actually been engaged for several months. It's unclear when Avi -- a writer, actor, producer and director -- popped the question, but Kristen was wearing her GIANT ring as early as May. Now we know the significance.

Kristen sported the rock during a screening of "Booksmart" at The Theatre at Ace Hotel in downtown L.A. She was there with her longtime pal, Lisa Kudrow.

Keeping their relationship under wraps seems to be their thing. Remember ... Kristen was spotted with a mystery man in Hawaii back in May 2016. The mystery man turned out to be Avi whom Kristen, at that point, had been secretly dating for several months.

This will be Kristen's second marriage. She was previously married from 2005 to 2009 to actor Hayes Hargrove. It's interesting ... back in 2011, she told the British magazine, Stella, she had ruled out a second marriage. Guess Avi changed her mind.

Congrats!!!