Alec Baldwin confirms “30 Rock” to end next year
In photo, actor Alec Baldwin poses with actresses Megan Mullally (C) and Anne Heche at a ceremony where he accepted a star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California February 14, 2011. REUTERS

This fall, Alec Baldwin will be the season's opening host of Saturday Night Live.

The New York Times first reported the story, and this will mark Baldwin's 16th appearance as the host of the sketch show. It will also be a record for the star, beating out rival Steve Martin with 15 host credits.

Baldwin currently can be seen on NBC's 30 Rock (which will return in fall) in what he has announced to be his final season with the show when his contract ends in 2012.

NBC chief Bob Greenblatt commented on Baldwin, saying "I'd love nothing more than to have Alec for the duration of the show. That's my goal. Let's see what we get."

Producer Lorne Michaels commented on the future of the show, "I would hope he would want to go on, but we're going to keep doing the show."

NBC confirmed that actress Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids) will be the host for this season's second episode. Lorne Michaels also commented that the entire cast from the previous season will return for season 37.

The New York Times New York The New York Times New York