Jimmy Fallon touts 'Heated Rivalry' star Hudson Williams as future SNL host after viral Tonight Show appearance

"It’s almost like seeing those black‑and‑white videos of the Beatles or something," Fallon on Williams' star power

Jimmy Fallon is throwing his support behind breakout Heated Rivalry star Hudson Williams as a potential future host of Saturday Night Live, saying Williams has the kind of buzz and fan reaction that could make him a great fit for the long‑running sketch comedy show.

Fallon made the comments after Williams’ viral appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, which generated massive excitement and viewership across social platforms.

Fallon highlighted the intensity of the fan response to Williams, recalling how the audience reacted during his late‑night interview. “I mean, he’s Canadian, so there’s an advantage there,” Fallon told Entertainment Weekly, referring to the shared Canadian connection between Williams and SNL creator Lorne Michaels. “They look out for each other!”

The longtime late‑night host also recalled the remarkable scene outside The Tonight Show studio, where fans lined up hours early and greeted Williams with energy reminiscent of historic pop culture moments.

“The whole show was great,” Fallon said, “but Hudson was the reason everyone was in such a hype mood. I mean, people were going crazy. Even just mentioning his name, they went wild, and I said it’s almost deafening. It’s almost like seeing those black‑and‑white videos of the Beatles or something, and you go, ‘How could it be that loud in one room?’”

Fallon pointed out that his last recommendation, actor Finn Wolfhard, also resulted in a memorable SNL hosting gig, suggesting his latest pitch for Williams should carry similar weight. “They have great taste in casting over there, and Lorne does too,” Fallon said.

The buzz around Williams comes as Heated Rivalry continues to grow into a global phenomenon, turning its young leads into viral sensations and award‑season fixtures.