‘SNL’ to air prime-time specials; NBC hopes ‘Community’ can last beyond next season

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – NBC will air two “Saturday Night Live” prime-time election specials, and it’s leaving the door open to cult-favourite comedy “Community” to return after next season’s abbreviated run.

NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt announced Tuesday that the “SNL” specials will air Sept. 20 and 27.

He says “Community,” which hovered near cancellation before being renewed for 13 weeks, could live beyond next season if it proves itself in its new Friday slot.

Greenblatt told reporters at the Television Critics Association conference that he would love nothing more than for “Community” to continue.

He also says he was proud that NBC was in third-place last season among adults 18 to 49. It’s the network’s best performance in eight years.