Adam Scott needs to host “Saturday Night Live.”

The actor has been a part of several of the most successful television and film comedies of the last decade, yet is somehow often overlooked. Hosting “SNL” could be his perfect coming-out party.

Already, Scott has a history of collaborations with “SNL” alumni.

Will Ferrell is an “SNL” legend. Scott is probably best known for playing Ferrell’s successful, mercilessly mean brother, Derek, in “Step Brothers” (2008). He was brilliant tormenting Ferrell and former “SNL” host John C. Reilly while giving us memorable scenes like the “Sweet Child O’ Mine” family sing-along and quotable lines like, “Guilty as charged – with the stories!”

Scott’s talent is displayed by the fact that he makes you laugh, yet you legitimately hate him throughout the movie.

He’s also been featured on Funny or Die, a comedy website founded by Ferrell and former “SNL” writer Adam McKay.

Scott currently stars with “SNL” all-star Amy Poehler on “Parks and Recreation” (2009). He’s outstanding alongside Poehler, and their relationship is one of the reasons the show got so much better after season two, when Scott joined the cast. His comedic chemistry with the current “SNL” cast would be just as potent.

These characters, in addition to others on his comedic resume, demonstrate his versatility.

Aside from being Poehler’s love interest on the show, Scott’s character, Ben Wyatt, is a total nerd who’s ruthlessly teased by Tom Haverford (Aziz Ansari).

It’s ironic, then, that his earliest noteworthy role was as Griffin Hawkins in season four of “Boy Meets World” (1993). A scheming, smooth-talking lady-killer, Griff clashed with Mr. Feeny through Spicoli-esque stunts like booking a massage in the middle of his history class. This is the polar opposite of Ben Wyatt.

The ability to play multiple roles is crucial to being a good “SNL” host. Scott has played the dork and the guy who torments dorks.

Scott has also been the protagonist, the ordinary guy you root for to be extraordinary.

After “Step Brothers,” he starred as struggling actor Henry Pollard in “Party Down” (2009) with Jane Lynch, Megan Mullaly and Lizzy Kaplan. Though the show was short-lived – it lasted only two seasons because Lynch left to join “Glee” – it has gained a cult following. “Party Down” was absolutely hysterical due in great part to Scott as the show’s hero. Beyond the jokes and ridiculous plotlines, you truly root for his character to succeed in his acting career.

Scott has also had small roles in successful comedies like the male nurse in “Knocked Up” (2007) and a delusional Major League Baseball front office assistant in “Eastbound and Down” (2009).

Scott has contributed to one of the best shows from our childhood, and is now a part of arguably the funniest comedy. He’s fantastic in both, and should be given a shot at the iconic comedy of “Saturday Night Live.”

Justin Timberlake just hosted “SNL” for the fifth time, not counting his various cameos during the last few seasons. Before it’s all said and done, JT will probably be in the echelon of Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin and John Goodman, who have hosted a combined 43 times.

The April 6 show will feature Melissa McCarthy for the second time in as many years, followed by Vince Vaughn during the season finale on April 13 – also Vaughn’s second time hosting.

It’s time for some variety in the “SNL” hosting duties. Comedians don’t grow on trees, but there are plenty of individuals ripe in their careers for an 11:30 p.m. performance in Studio 8H, 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

Scott already stars on one successful NBC comedy show, and the network needs to take care of its own. It’s not nepotism to give Scott the hosting gig. He’s earned it.

James O’Hare is a senior history and political science major. His column appears weekly. He loves cheeseburgers. He can be reached at [email protected]. 

Published on March 26, 2013 at 2:50 am