WASHINGTON - John McCain is set to appear on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" just three days before the Nov. 4th U.S. presidential election.

Aides say the Republican presidential candidate will make a detour from battleground states in order to be on the late-night weekend show -- a must-watch for many this political season.

Earlier this month, McCain running mate Sarah Palin and her impersonator, Tina Fey, earned "Saturday Night Live" its best ratings in 14 years.

Palin's guest shot had been widely anticipated since Fey began imitating her a month ago.

McCain last appeared on the show in May, after clinching the Republican nomination and while the Democratic primary continued.

McCain hosted "SNL" in 2002.