Emmys 2022: Kenan Thompson & Kel Mitchell's surprise reunion stole the show
Kenan Thompson's 2022 Emmy hosting brought a wave of nostalgia, featuring a surprise reunion with Kel Mitchell, a Good Burger callback, and a heartfelt tribute to TV classics. Thompson's charm and humor lit up the night.
Updated : November 23, 2023 07:04 PM ISTKenan Thompson's 2022 Emmy hosting brought a wave of nostalgia, featuring a surprise reunion with Kel Mitchell, a Good Burger callback, and a heartfelt tribute to TV classics. Thompson's charm and humor lit up the night.
Kel Mitchell and Kenan Thompson (Source: The Hollywood Reporter)
Kenan Thompson, a name synonymous with laughter and nostalgia, took us on a remarkable journey during the 2022 Emmy Awards. Known for his long-standing career on Saturday Night Live, Thompson embraced the role of the night's host with a flair that only he could bring. The night commenced with Thompson grooving to iconic tunes from beloved shows like Friends, The Brady Bunch, and Law & Order. This opening act was more than a performance; it was a heartfelt homage to the television world's rich history. With his usual comedic charm, Thompson declared himself “the mayor of television,” setting the tone for a night filled with laughter and memories.
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Good Burger reunion: A highlight of the night
In a delightful twist, Thompson reunited with Kel Mitchell, his partner in comedy from their Kenan & Kel days and the 1997 film Good Burger This reunion, unfolding at the orchestra bar with Kumail Nanjiani as the “honorary bartender,” was a well-orchestrated surprise. "Let's make it two good burgers," Thompson quipped, echoing their comedic chemistry from decades ago. Mitchell, present to promote his new book Prank Day, expressed his excitement at this unexpected Emmy appearance, noting, "We knew the audience would like that."
This wasn't their first award show reunion; they also shared the stage at the 2019 NHL Awards. Reflecting on their long-standing friendship, Mitchell remarked, “He’s always awesome. We hang out all the time and call each other all the time, so it’s always a great moment for us that we can share with our fans.” Beyond the laughs and throwbacks, the night had its share of poignant moments. Mitchell highlighted Sheryl Lee Ralph’s win for best supporting actress in a comedy for her role in Abbott Elementary as a standout. Her heartwarming speech and the show's success underscored the diverse and rich landscape of modern television.
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Kenan Thompson: The heart of television's evolution
Thompson's role as host of the Emmys wasn't just a night of entertainment; it was a testament to his enduring presence in the television industry. From Saturday Night Live to the Emmys stage, Thompson has evolved alongside television, becoming an integral part of its narrative. As we look back at the 2022 Emmys, it's clear that Kenan Thompson's touch of nostalgia, his effortless humour, and his ability to connect the past with the present made the night unforgettable. His journey through television history was not just a walk down memory lane, but a celebration of the medium's evolving story, a story in which Thompson has played a pivotal role.
(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)