Kim Kardashian, AKA Kim Kardashian West, is always in the headlines. The latest press centers around her separation and likely divorce from rapper/businessman Kanye West. Ms. West is actively involved in prison reform and associated racial inequities in the penal system. The 40-year-old mom of 4 recently advocated changing Julius Jone's death sentence to a life with parole prison term.

I have seen Kardashian on many talk shows. This might come as a surprise, but I actually kind of like her. She comes across, at least to me, as a nice person with a dose of compassion. And honestly, anyone who can start out 'regular' and propel themselves into superstardom, well, I have to take my hat off to him or her. Wouldn't you do that, if you could? Kim Kardashian is famous for being not famous and criticized for not having talent. I disagree.

OK, she got loads of exposure from an early sex tape that was released, allegedly without her permission. Perhaps that's not the best way to advertise oneself, but it got her recognition, nonetheless. And anyone can say what they will about her mother, momager Kris Jenner, who manages her five daughters, Kim, Kourtney, Khloe, Kendall, and Kylie. Jenner is a brilliant marketer who has propelled her offspring into the outer limits of financial success. Most of us couldn't achieve that. There is luck involved, but there is much more--business acumen with a vision. 

Back to Kim. She has been cast to host the October 9 edition of the venerable variety show Saturday Night Live; quite the honor. The show has been around since 1975 and it is still produced by Lorne Michaels. Typically, actors, comedians, or well-known musicians host the highly-rated show. Some notable former MCs include Eddie Murphy, Adele, Dave Chapell, and Scarlett Johanssen. So why Kardashian? The answer is simple-- because she garners high ratings.

Keeping up with the Kardashians was on the air for 20 seasons. In its final season in 2020, it remained one of the 100 most-watched TV shows. Kris Jenner negotiated a new deal for the reality show to continue on Hulu. Streaming services are replacing traditional television and cable deals, so it was a savvy move--they will reportedly be paid more than their previous $150 million E deal. 

The wonderfully talented Debra Messing tweeted she is upset that Kardashian was chosen to host SNL, that she effectively has no talent. Kim Kardashian probably does not have the acting ability or comic timing of Debra Messing (few do). However, executive producers and casting agents go strictly on who pulls in ratings--so KKW was an excellent choice. Whether you like her or not (she's even criticized for her 'Valley Girl' voice and cosmetic surgeries), my prediction is that Kim will pull in huge ratings. That's what programmers look for. 

If Elon Musk could host, SNL, why not Kim K? With 102 million Instagram followers, it's a smart business move!