“Saturday Night Live” is indeed live tonight. “SNL” Season 44 will have an all-new episode on Feb. 16 with a first-time host and musical guest.

Don Cheadle will be the host the NBC variety show. Viewers will recognize the actor from the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies where he has played War Machine/James Rhodes since 2010’s “Iron Man 2.” He’ll appear in this spring’s “Avengers: Endgame.” Cheadle is also promoting his new Showtime comedy, “Black Monday.”

Cheadle received support from some of his famous friends ahead of his “Saturday Night Live” debut. Kristen Bell, his “House of Lies” co-star, “SNL” alum Horatio Sanz and “Parks and Recreation” star Ben Schwartz shared some good wishes before he hosted.

Tonight’s “SNL” will also feature musical guest Gary Clark Jr. The blues musician is touring the U.S. through March.

NBC shared a photo of Cheadle and Clark rocking out in the green room on Friday.

A post shared by instagram

The men will, of course, star alongside the usual cast members. However, it isn’t clear how much longer “SNL” will include a couple key cast members. As previously reported, Aidy Bryant recently revealed that she has considered leaving, but she has at least one more season left in her.

Meanwhile, Kenan Thompson has been lining up gigs that make fans think the longtime star is gearing up to leave. He has a comedy pilot in the works at NBC, and he is executive producing the “All That” revival. Thompson is the show’s longest-tenured cast member, having been on “Saturday Night Live” since 2003.

“SNL” airs tonight at 11:30 p.m. EST on NBC.

Is SNL new tonight?
Tonight's "SNL" includes (from left) musical guest Gary Clark Jr., host Don Cheadle and Pete Davidson. Rosalind O'Connor/NBC
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