Jimmy Fallon Will Return to 'Saturday Night Live' as Host

Jimmy Fallon is returning to his comedic roots with his a Saturday Night Live hosting gig.

our editor recommends

How the Music of 'Jimmy Fallon' Whips Its Late-Night Competition

Emmys 2011: Stephen Colbert Addresses Jimmy Fallon Face Off (Video)

'Jersey Shore' Tribute: Jimmy Fallon Spoofs DJ Pauly D, Snooki (Video)

PHOTOS: Emmy Nominees 2011

NBC's late night host will join musical guest Michael Buble on Dec. 17. The telecast will mark Buble's second musical appearance, and Fallon's first since he served a six-year stint as "Weekend Update" co-anchor and frequent impressionist on the network's long-running sketch comedy show.

STORY: Radiohead to Open 37th Season of 'Saturday Night Live'

"I've never forgotten where I came from. That's why I'm so incredibly honored to be hosting the Saturday Night Times program December 17th on HGTV," quips Fallon in a statement.

STORY: Alec Baldwin, Melissa McCarthy Set as 'Saturday Night Live' Hosts

Fallon has been generating favorable buzz and growing ratings since he took over for Conan O'Brien as host of the net's weekday entry Late Night in March 2009. He garnered still more goodwill as host of the 2010 Emmy Awards, and his show is nominated for three Emmys, including its first in the best variety, music or comedy series category, at this year's kudofest.

STORY: Netflix Renews Deal With NBCUniversal for Streaming TV Shows, Movies

The net previously announced 30 Rock's Alec Baldwin (with musical guest Radiohead) and Bridesmaid's Melissa McCarthy (with Lady Antebellum) will host on SNL's Sept. 24 and Oct. 1 editions, respectively.

Email: Lacey.Rose@THR.com; Twitter: @LaceyVRose