Al Franken to return to SNL for special appearance

Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) is expected to make a special appearance on the set of “Saturday Night Live” — his old stomping grounds — on Sunday night to mark the show’s 40th anniversary.

But the Minnesota Democrat is not promoting the appearance.

His office has yet to release any comment on the appearance, and the senator’s Twitter feed has no mention of the reunion.

Franken, who became a senator in 2009, has sought to rid himself of his comedic image, and be taken seriously as a crusader against consolidation in the media and communications industries.  

Nonetheless, Franken will return to his roots on Sunday at 8 p.m. to join the cast of SNL.  

Franken will be joined by Adam Sandler, and Bill Murray among others at the anniversary show, which is expected to last three hours.

Franken admitted last year that being on SNL is far more entertaining than working in the Senate.

“Everyone asks me, is being a senator as much fun as being on ‘Saturday Night Live?’ And the answer is no,” Franken said to laughter in the chamber. “But it’s the best job I’ve ever had.” 

Franken skidded into his Senate seat after beating Republican Sen. Norm Coleman.  He narrowly won the election by a margin of 312 votes, which led to a court challenge and a months-long recount.  

Franken’s 2014 win was far less controversial, with the senator cruising to a second term despite being a top GOP target.