In his first TV appearance since being diagnosed with coronavirus, Hanks hosted the show and pondered about why he was chosen to host the unusual episode, admitting he had coronavirus to “thank,” explaining: “I have been the celebrity canary in the coal mine for the coronavirus, and ever since being diagnosed I have been more like America’s dad than ever before. No one wants to be around me very long and I make people uncomfortable.”  Hanks and wife Rita Wilson announced on March 11 that they had tested positive for the virus. The two were in Australia for pre-production on Baz Luhrmann’s untitled Elvis Presley film from Warner Bros.

The show was supposed to return from hiatus on March 28 with an original episode hosted by John Krasinski and featuring musical guest Dua Lipa.