> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.theomnicosm.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # ‘SNL’ Season 51 hosts: It’s time to rank ’em - URL: https://www.theomnicosm.com/the-cold-open-snl-season-51-hosts-ranking/ - Published: 2026-05-23T12:30:22.000Z - Updated: 2026-06-06T14:46:52.000Z - Description: The season is over. So let’s name the best and worst hosts of the past 20 episodes. - Author: Bill Kuchman - Tags: The Cold Open • Season Recaps, The Cold Open • Extras, The Cold Open, SNL, Harry Styles, Finn Wolfhard, Nikki Glaser, Josh O'Connor, Olivia Rodrigo, Connor Storrie, Teyana Taylor, Alexander Skarsgård, Matt Damon, Bad Bunny, Will Ferrell, Melissa McCarthy, Miles Teller, Ariana Grande, Jack Black, Colman Domingo, Sabrina Carpenter, Glen Powell, Ryan Gosling, Amy Poehler *SNL* aired its season finale last weekend, but there’s still plenty left to talk about before we head into the show’s offseason. It’s time to rank the twenty hosts of Season 51\. This is the third time I’ve sat down at the end of a season to figure out the proper ranking of the actors, singers and comedians who hosted the show. (No athletes this year.) As always with these rankings, **The Cold Open** is looking at the hosts themselves, not the episode as a whole. It’s always possible to have an *SNL* host who recedes into the background while the show’s cast cranks things up to a higher gear. If you missed previous season rankings, please check out the final tallies for [Season 49](https://www.theomnicosm.com/the-best-of-snl-the-worst-of-snl-its-time-to-rank-the-hosts-of-season-49/) and [Season 50](https://www.theomnicosm.com/lets-rank-all-20-hosts-of-snl-season-50/). ![The Cold Open](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/2026/02/the-cold-open-wordmark-2.png) Welcome to The Cold Open! This publication is a free newsletter, but it’s fueled by readers like you. Support independent news, reviews and more for **just $5 a month**. [Upgrade to Paid](https://www.theomnicosm.com/about/#/portal/account/plans) Includes full access to **Snackology** and **Popculturology**. ![Harry Styles](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/2026/03/NUP_210144_00031.JPG) ****Harry Styles**. / NBC 20\. ## Harry Styles March 14, 2026 This was **Harry Styles**’s second time hosting *SNL*. He had several memorable sketches the first time he hosted, which made it even more baffling that he turned in this dud of an episode. The episode never found a gear beyond “hey, what if Harry Styles *is* Harry Styles?” when it came to sketch ideas. **Host history:* Second time (Nov. 16, 2019)* ### The host’s most memorable sketch ### Was it the episode’s best sketch? No, that would be “Weekend Update: Red Heart and Aerial Tramway on Apple’s New Emojis Release.” ### What I said then [Episode Review: Harry Styles gets a low-energy ‘SNL’ return | The Cold OpenThere was always going to be a drop-off after Ryan Gosling’s unhinged episode, but the show could’ve tried a bit harder.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/icon/omnicosm-square-new-2-2.png)The OmnicosmBill Kuchman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/thumbnail/the-cold-open-snl-harry-styles-lede-1.jpg)](https://www.theomnicosm.com/the-cold-open-snl-harry-styles-review/) • • • ![Finn Wolfhard](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/2026/01/NUP_209658_00026.JPG) ****Gaten Matarazzo**, **Finn Wolfhard** and **Caleb McLaughlin**. / NBC 19\. ## Finn Wolfhard January 17, 2026 **Finn Wolfhard** was woefully out of his league when it came to hosting *SNL*. He doesn’t have the gravitas to grab the show by the reins, and the writing in this episode didn’t do him any favors when it came to playing to his strengths. Well, maybe that’s not true? Is “Finn Wolfhard was in *Stranger Things*” a strength? Since this episode kept going back to that well. **Host history:* First time* ### The host’s most memorable sketch ### Was it the episode’s best sketch? No, that would be “Weekend Update: Tamara on Her Confusing New Year’s Resolution About Buttons.” ### What I said then [Episode Review: ‘SNL’ kicks off 2026 with a forgettable Finn Wolfhard episode | Deep SNL ThoughtsThe host reunited with a few ‘Stranger Things’ buddies, but even a cameo from Sabrina Carpenter couldn’t give this episode a spark.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/icon/omnicosm-square-new-2-13.png)The OmnicosmBill Kuchman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/thumbnail/lede-011826-SNL-3.png)](https://www.theomnicosm.com/snl-kicks-off-2026-with-a-forgettable-finn-wolfhard-episode/) • • • ![Nikki Glaser](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/2025/11/NUP_209235_00032.JPG) ****Nikki Glaser**. / NBC 18\. ## Nikki Glaser November 8, 2025 I still can’t figure out what happened with **Nikki Glaser**’s episode. Her monologue was scattershot, trying to condense the essence of her standup into a rapid-fire series of jokes that never landed with the studio audience. This was an *SNL* where the host wasn’t the star of their own episode. **Host history:* First time* ### The host’s most memorable sketch ### Was it the episode’s best sketch? No, that would be “Pinwheel.” ### What I said then [Episode Review: Nikki Glaser’s ‘SNL’ lacks the edge her comedy is known for | Deep SNL ThoughtsMeanwhile Pete Davidson returns to ‘Weekend Update’ to defend the state of his Staten Island Ferry.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/icon/omnicosm-square-new-2-8.png)The OmnicosmBill Kuchman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/thumbnail/lede-110925-SNL-3.png)](https://www.theomnicosm.com/nikki-glasers-snl-lacks-the-edge-her-comedy-is-known-for/) • • • ![Josh O’Connor](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/2025/12/NUP_209505_00003.JPG) ****Josh O’Connor**. / NBC 17\. ## Josh O’Connor December 13, 2025 Speaking of not being the star of their own episode of *SNL*, the Dec. 13, 2025, episode of *SNL* could’ve swapped in any other random dude for **Josh O’Connor**, and folks wouldn’t have noticed. This was The **Ashley Padilla** Episode. “If you were watching *SNL* last night, you saw something magical,” [I wrote in my review](https://www.theomnicosm.com/josh-oconnor-hosted-snl-but-ashley-padilla-ran-away-with-the-episode/). “No, it wasn’t Josh O’Connoras the episode’s host. It was how Ashley Padillaabsolutely ran away with the episode.” **Host history:* First time* ### The host’s most memorable sketch ### Was it the episode’s best sketch? Yes? There really wasn’t much to work from when it came to O’Connor’s work in this episode. ### What I said then [Episode Review: Josh O’Connor hosted ‘SNL,’ but Ashley Padilla ran away with the episode | Deep SNL ThoughtsThe sophomore star’s legend grows. It’s past time for Lorne Michaels to promote her from featured status.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/icon/omnicosm-square-new-2-11.png)The OmnicosmBill Kuchman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/thumbnail/lede-121425-SNL-3.png)](https://www.theomnicosm.com/josh-oconnor-hosted-snl-but-ashley-padilla-ran-away-with-the-episode/) • • • ![Miles Teller](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/2025/12/NUP_209140_00032-2.JPG) ****Miles Teller**. / NBC 16\. ## Miles Teller November 1, 2025 With two hosting gigs to his name now, **Miles Teller** might have a set a record for the host given the least to do from the writing for his episodes of *SNL*. The only thing from his Season 51 appearance that I remember is “White House Makeover,” but that’s because it was one of the best uses of **James Austin Johnson**’s **Donald Trump** in a long time and Teller pulled double duty as both of the Property Brothers. **Host history:* Second time (Oct. 1, 2022)* ### The host’s most memorable sketch ### Was it the episode’s best sketch? No, that would be “Weekend Update: Two People Who Just Hooked Up Discuss the Government Shutdown.” ### What I said then [Episode Review: ‘Property Brothers’ unleash ‘White House Makeover’ as Miles Teller hosts | Deep SNL ThoughtsThe star duo of Ashley Padilla and Andrew Dismukes continues to rise, while Ramy Youssef and Shane Gillis score cameos.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/icon/omnicosm-square-new-2-7.png)The OmnicosmBill Kuchman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/thumbnail/lede-100225-SNL-3.png)](https://www.theomnicosm.com/property-brothers-unleash-white-house-makeover-as-miles-teller-hosts-snl/) • • • ![Olivia Rodrigo](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/2026/05/NUP_210578_00030.JPG) ****Olivia Rodrigo**. / NBC 15\. ## Olivia Rodrigo May 2, 2026 In my head, **Olivia Rodrigo** was going to rank so much higher among Season 51 hosts, but I think my overall view of the episode was elevated thanks to the return of “Shop TV,” Padilla’s work in “My Ex” and **Andrew Dismukes**’s force-of-nature skills in “Rasta Driver.” **Host history:* First time* ### The host’s most memorable sketch ### Was it the episode’s best sketch? No, that would be “Rasta Driver.” ### What I said then [Episode Review: Olivia Rodrigo wants her ex back as Aziz Ansari brings Kash Patel to ‘SNL’ | The Cold OpenThe ‘Parks and Rec’ star appearing on ‘SNL’ in 2026 kind of broke my brain.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The OmnicosmBill Kuchman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/thumbnail/the-cold-open-snl-review-olivia-rodrigo-lede.jpg)](https://www.theomnicosm.com/the-cold-open-snl-review-olivia-rodrigo/) • • • ![Connor Storrie](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/2026/03/NUP_210026_00020.JPG) ****Connor Storrie**. / NBC 14\. ## Connor Storrie February 28, 2026 People were excited for **Connor Storrie**’s episode. Like, extremely excited. The *Heated Rivalry* star came into *SNL* with a ton of enthusiasm and an eagerness to throw himself into whatever the show sent his way. Too bad the show never sent much his way. **Host history:* First time* ### The host’s most memorable sketch ### Was it the episode’s best sketch? Yes. ### What I said then [Episode Review: ‘Heated Rivalry’ star Connor Storrie takes his shot at hosting ‘SNL’ | The Cold OpenUnfortunately, Storrie’s opportunity to break away as an ‘SNL’ host came up short thanks to an uneven mix of sketches.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/icon/omnicosm-square-new-2-15.png)The OmnicosmBill Kuchman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/thumbnail/the-cold-open-snl-connor-storrie-lede-2.jpg)](https://www.theomnicosm.com/the-cold-open-snl-review-connor-storrie/) • • • ![Teyana Taylor](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/2026/01/NUP_209733_00019.JPG) ****Teyana Taylor**. / NBC 13\. ## Teyana Taylor January 24, 2026 I was higher on **Teyana Taylor**’s episode when it first aired, but four months later, I think a big part of that vibe was just because she got to follow Wolfhard. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed Taylor’s episode. There just isn’t much from her hosting gig that stuck with me. **Host history:* First time* ### The host’s most memorable sketch ### Was it the episode’s best sketch? No, that would be “Weekend Update: Mr. On Blast Speaks His Mind Without Holding Back.” ### What I said then [Episode Review: ‘SNL’ bounces back thanks to Teyana Taylor and Ashley Padilla | Deep SNL ThoughtsIt wasn’t an easy night for a new episode of ‘SNL,’ but the ‘One Battle After Another’ star did her best to infuse this episode with energy.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/icon/omnicosm-square-new-2-16.png)The OmnicosmBill Kuchman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/thumbnail/lede-012526-SNL-2.png)](https://www.theomnicosm.com/snl-bounces-back-thanks-to-teyana-taylor-and-ashley-padilla/) • • • ![Alexander Skarsgård](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/2026/02/NUP_209828_00020.JPG) ****Alexander Skarsgård**. / NBC 12\. ## Alexander Skarsgård January 31, 2026 I appreciate the gleeful weirdness that **Alexander Skarsgård** brought to *SNL*. I just don’t think *SNL* fully knew how to maximize that weirdness. Skarsgård was a supporting playing in “Mom Confession,” one of the most buzzy sketches of all of Season 51 and found himself in retreads of movies from his portfolio like *Tarzan* and *The Northman*. **Host history:* First time* ### The host’s most memorable sketch ### Was it the episode’s best sketch? No, that would be “Mom Confession.” ### What I said then [Episode Review: Alexander Skarsgård and Stellan Skarsgård make ‘SNL’ a family affair | Deep SNL ThoughtsAs the ‘Murderbot’ star was joined by his dad for the show’s 1,000th episode, Ashley Padilla and Andrew Dismukes reunited on ‘Weekend Update.’![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/icon/omnicosm-square-new-2-14.png)The OmnicosmBill Kuchman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/thumbnail/deep-snl-thoughts-alexander-skarsgard-lede-3.png)](https://www.theomnicosm.com/deep-snl-thoughts-alexander-skarsgard-review/) • • • ![Bad Bunny](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/2025/10/NUP_208846_00032.JPG) ****Bad Bunny**. / NBC 11\. ## Bad Bunny October 4, 2025 I love how much **Bad Bunny** loves hosting *SNL*. I’ve yet to see a sketch from him that would make me consider him one of the show’s best hosts, but his enthusiasm is infectious. My one regret is that I hadn’t yet seen *KPop Demon Hunters* before Bad Bunny unleashed the *SNL* sketch of the same name on the world. **Host history:* Second time (Oct. 21, 2023)* ### The host’s most memorable sketch ### Was it the episode’s best sketch? Yes. ### What I said then [Episode Review: ‘Should’ve called it at 50, right?’: Bad Bunny kicks off Season 51 | Deep SNL ThoughtsWho doesn’t love a cameo from Juan Jamón?![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/icon/omnicosm-square-new-2-4.png)The OmnicosmBill Kuchman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/thumbnail/lede-100525-SNL-1-3.png)](https://www.theomnicosm.com/shouldve-called-it-at-50-right-bad-bunny-kicks-off-snl-season-51/) • • • ![Ariana Grande](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/2025/12/NUP_209545_00017.JPG) ****Ariana Grande**. / NBC 10\. ## Ariana Grande December 20, 2025 Ariana Grande has quickly established herself as a go-to *SNL* host. She’s funny. She’s full of energy. She can go dark when she needs to for a sketch. But her Season 51 hosting appearance was overshadowed by **Bowen Yang**’s departure from the show. The episode’s most memorable sketch was “Delta Lounge,” which served as Yang’s farewell. Meanwhile, “Last Stop Christmas Shop” — a brilliant sketch pairing Grande with **Sarah Sherman** — didn’t make it to air. **Host history:* Third time (March 12, 2016, Oct. 12, 2024)* ### The host’s most memorable sketch ### Was it the episode’s best sketch? No, that would be “Last Stop Christmas Shop,” which was cut for time. ### What I said then [Episode Review: ‘This is my last shift’: Bowen Yang says farewell to as Ariana Grande hosts | Deep SNL ThoughtsYang’s departure makes him the latest big name to leave the cast after Season 50.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/icon/omnicosm-square-new-2-12.png)The OmnicosmBill Kuchman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/thumbnail/lede-122125-SNL-3.png)](https://www.theomnicosm.com/this-is-my-last-shift-bowen-yang-says-farewell-to-snl-as-ariana-grande-hosts/) • • • ![Sabrina Carpenter](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/2025/10/NUP_209017_00033.JPG) ****Sabrina Carpenter**. / NBC 9\. ## Sabrina Carpenter October 18, 2025 **Sabrina Carpenter** and *SNL* had been circling each other for a few years. She’d been the musical guest. She [played a role in *SNL50*](https://www.theomnicosm.com/fifty-years-of-the-best-times-of-our-lives-the-snl-family-looks-back-for-snl50-2/). And now she finally got an episode all of her own. Like many hosts who are also their episode’s musical guest, the episode felt thin in terms of Carpenter’s impact. I want to see her host again — but focus on the hosting. **Host history:* First time* ### The host’s most memorable sketch ### Was it the episode’s best sketch? No, that would be “Surprise.” ### What I said then [Episode Review: The universe finally lets Sabrina Carpenter host ‘SNL’ — and she brings Domingo with her | Deep SNL ThoughtsAfter teasing ‘SNL’ fans as the musical guest, in ‘SNL50’ and with a cameo, the singer got an episode all her own.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/icon/omnicosm-square-new-2-6.png)The OmnicosmBill Kuchman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/thumbnail/lede-101925-SNL-3.png)](https://www.theomnicosm.com/the-universe-finally-lets-sabrina-carpenter-host-snl-and-she-brings-domingo-with-her/) • • • ![Matt Damon](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/2026/05/NUP_210695_00031.JPG) ****Matt Damon**. / NBC 8\. ## Matt Damon May 9, 2026 Points to **Matt Damon** for dancing his way through “Substitute Teacher’s Goodbye.” Despite not having a ton to do in this episode, *The Odyssey* made the most of his opportunities. “Tidy Care Crystals” could’ve swapped another male cast member or host in alongside Padilla and Johnson, and *Weekend Update* was fueled by **Jeremy Culhane** and **Jane Wickline**, but Matt Damon is still Matt Damon. **Host history:* Third time (Oct. 5, 2002, Dec. 15, 2018)* ### The host’s most memorable sketch ### Was it the episode’s best sketch? No, that would be “Weekend Update: Tucker Carlson on Liberal Politics and the 2026 Met Gala.” ### What I said then [Episode Review: Matt Damon returns to ‘SNL,’ brings Brett Kavanaugh with him | The Cold OpenThanks to Jeremy Culhane, Mikey Day, Marcello Hernandez and Jane Wickline, this episode likely gave us our best ‘Update’ of the season.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/icon/omnicosm-square-new-2-19.png)The OmnicosmBill Kuchman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/thumbnail/the-cold-open-snl-matt-damon-lede-1.jpg)](https://www.theomnicosm.com/the-cold-open-snl-review-matt-damon/) • • • ![Jack Black](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/2026/04/NUP_210280_00003.JPG) ****Jack Black**. / NBC 7\. ## Jack Black April 4, 2026 It took twenty years for **Jack Black** to go from hosting *SNL* for his third time to hosting for his fourth time. The universe wasn’t going to let that happen again. Black returned to *SNL* almost exactly a year after his fourth gig, triumphantly [joining the Five-Timers Club](https://www.theomnicosm.com/the-cold-open-snl-five-timers-club/) in the most Jack Black way possible. **Host history:* Fifth time (Jan. 19, 2002, Oct. 4, 2003, Dec. 17\. 2005, April 5, 2025)* ### The host’s most memorable sketch ### Was it the episode’s best sketch? No, that would be “Kathy,” another highlight piece from the Season of Ashley Padilla. ### What I said then [Episode Review: Jack Black returns to save the ‘SNL’ Five-Timers Club | The Cold OpenBlack summons the power of Jack White and ‘Seven Nation Army’ to restore the hallowed lounge to glory.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The OmnicosmBill Kuchman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/thumbnail/the-cold-open-snl-jack-black-lede.jpg)](https://www.theomnicosm.com/the-cold-open-snl-jack-white-review/) • • • ![Will Ferrell and Chad Smith](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/2026/05/NUP_210795_00016.JPG) ****Will Ferrell** and ****Chad Smith**. / NBC 6\. ## Will Ferrell May 16, 2026 **Will Ferrell** was one of two *SNL* alumni who came back to host during Season 51\. Ferrell delivered a solid hosting gig, but **Lorne Michaels** made some interesting choices in terms of what didn’t make it to air, keeping “Hormuz Jeff” and [“Dad’s Birthday,”](https://www.theomnicosm.com/the-cold-open-snl-will-ferrell-ashley-padilla/) two sketches that heavily and hilariously featured Ferrell, out of the episode. **Host history:* Sixth time (May 14, 2005, May 16, 2009, May 12, 2012, Jan. 27, 2018, Nov. 23, 2019)* ### The host’s most memorable sketch ### Was it the episode’s best sketch? No, that would be “Weekend Update: Colin Jost and Michael Che Swap Jokes for Season 51 Finale.” ### What I said then [Episode Review: ‘SNL’ asks the real Will Ferrell to please stand up | The Cold OpenThe season finale kicked off with a doppelganger — and ended with intrigue over the future of Lorne Michaels.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/icon/omnicosm-square-new-2-20.png)The OmnicosmBill Kuchman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/thumbnail/the-cold-open-snl-review-will-ferrell-lede.jpg)](https://www.theomnicosm.com/the-cold-open-snl-review-will-ferrell/) • • • ![Melissa McCarthy](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/2025/12/NUP_209436_00032.JPG) ****Melissa McCarthy**. / NBC 5\. ## Melissa McCarthy December 6, 2025 The bar for a **Melissa McCarthy**\-hosted episode of *SNL* is always going to be incredibly high. Few hosts can launch themselves across a set or bully their way through a sketch like McCarthy. **Host history:* Sixth time (Oct. 1, 2011, April 6, 2013, Feb. 1, 2014, Feb. 13, 2016, May 13, 2017)* ### The host’s most memorable sketch ### Was it the episode’s best sketch? No, that would be “Sunday Supper.” ### What I said then [Episode Review: ‘SNL’ gives us Melissa McCarthy as host for her 6th time, takes us to ‘Cousin’ Planet | Deep SNL ThoughtsMcCarthy as host? A bit low energy this time. Jost as Hegseth? Bombastic.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/icon/omnicosm-square-new-2-10.png)The OmnicosmBill Kuchman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/thumbnail/lede-120725-SNL-3.png)](https://www.theomnicosm.com/snl-gives-us-melissa-mccarthy-as-host-for-her-6th-time-takes-us-to-cousin-planet/) • • • ![Colman Domingo](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/2026/05/NUP_210335_00027.JPG) ****Colman Domingo**. / NBC 4\. ## Colman Domingo April 11, 2026 **Colman Domingo** might be too smooth for *SNL*. The *Euphoria* star absolutely needs to host again, and host again soon. For a first-time host to come into the show with the level of ease that Domingo did is impressive. He was also blessed with some of the weirdest *SNL* writing of the season, with “What If I Told You” being the episode’s standout sketch. **Host history:* First time* ### The host’s most memorable sketch ### Was it the episode’s best sketch? Yes. ### What I said then [Episode Review: Colman Domingo sets the perfect vibe for ‘SNL’ | The Cold OpenThe ‘Euphoria’ star breezes through his hosting debut.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/icon/omnicosm-square-new-2-21.png)The OmnicosmBill Kuchman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/thumbnail/the-cold-open-snl-colman-domingo-lede-1.jpg)](https://www.theomnicosm.com/the-cold-open-snl-colman-domingo-review/) • • • ![Glen Powell and Mitch the UPS Driver.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/2025/11/NUP_209311_00016.JPG) ****Glen Powell** and Mitch the UPS Driver. / NBC 3\. ## Glen Powell November 15, 2025 Man, what a delight **Glen Powell** was as an *SNL* episode. From his touching monologue story about getting invited — and then disinvited — to host *SNL* to fully committing to “Bob Army” to even being key to getting **Will Forte** back for another MacGruber sketch, Powell was the ultimate *SNL* rookie who threw himself fully into an episode. **Host history:* First time* ### The host’s most memorable sketch ### Was it the episode’s best sketch? No, that would be “Haircut.” ### What I said then [Episode Review: Glen Powell leads Slay Division; MacGruber, Ashley Padilla and ‘Update’ tackle the Epstein Files | Deep SNL ThoughtsWill Forte was back as MacGruber, while the ‘SNL’ breakout star kicked things off as White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/icon/omnicosm-square-new-2-9.png)The OmnicosmBill Kuchman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/thumbnail/lede-111625-SNL-4.png)](https://www.theomnicosm.com/glen-powell-leads-slay-division-macgruber-ashley-padilla-and-update-tackle-the-epstein-files/) • • • ![Ryan Gosling](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/2026/03/NUP_210058_00018.JPG) ****Ryan Gosling**. / NBC 2\. ## Ryan Gosling March 7, 2026 **Ryan Gosling** has become *SNL*’s chaos agent. After establishing himself as a solid *SNL* host over his first two times [hosting with sketches like](https://www.theomnicosm.com/the-5-ryan-gosling-snl-sketches-you-gotta-watch-before-he-hosts-again/) “Papyrus” and “Close Encounter,” Gosling’s third hosting gig delivered the viral “Beavis and Butt-Head” sketch. The show fully committed to Gosling’s breaking this season, with “Passing Notes” becoming the first *SNL* sketch to flat out admit that it was crafted to make its host and cast break. **Host history:* Fourth time (Dec. 5, 2015, Sept. 30, 2017, April 13, 2024)* ### The host’s most memorable sketch ### Was it the episode’s best sketch? No, that would be “Cyclops.” ### What I said then [Episode Review: Ryan Gosling easily delivers the best ‘SNL’ of the season | The Cold OpenThis episode was a ton of fun, and I’m on board with agreeing that Gosling is ‘your favorite host of all time.’![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/icon/omnicosm-square-new-2-3.png)The OmnicosmBill Kuchman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/thumbnail/the-cold-open-snl-ryan-gosling-lede-1.jpg)](https://www.theomnicosm.com/the-cold-open-snl-review-ryan-gosling/) • • • ![Amy Poehler](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/2025/11/NUP_208952_00002.JPG) ****Amy Poehler**. / NBC 1\. ## Amy Poehler October 11, 2025 It’s hard to believe that **Amy Poehler** has only hosted *SNL* three times. A show legend with the power to summon **Tina Fey** and **Seth Meyers** for a *Weekend Update* joke-off while also nailing The Falconer-esque absurdity of “Experienced Lawyers” should be back to host as often as possible. **Host history:* Third time (Sept. 25, 2010, Dec. 19, 2015)* ### The host’s most memorable sketch ### Was it the episode’s best sketch? No, that would be “Experienced Lawyers.” ### What I said then [Episode Review: Amy Poehler, Tina Fey and Seth Meyers challenge Colin Jost and Michael Che to a Joke Off | Deep SNL ThoughtsThe ‘SNL’ vet brought her ‘Weekend Update’ wives with her as she hosted the show for a third time.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/icon/omnicosm-square-new-2-5.png)The OmnicosmBill Kuchman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/thumbnail/lede-101225-SNL-3.png)](https://www.theomnicosm.com/amy-poehler-tina-fey-and-seth-meyers-challenge-colin-jost-and-michael-to-a-joke-off/) [*Check out the complete list of SNL Season 51 hosts, musical guests and reviews.*](https://www.theomnicosm.com/who-is-hosting-snl/) --- ## Past seasons [Let’s rank all 20 hosts of ‘SNL’ Season 50 | Deep SNL ThoughtsWho do we want to see back next season? And who should never host again?![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The OmnicosmBill Kuchman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/thumbnail/lede-052525-SNL-4fd438592b3cdab0710e7d9204f74bf12dc04426315da211cd1bba5a52962e0c.png)](https://www.theomnicosm.com/lets-rank-all-20-hosts-of-snl-season-50/) [It’s time to rank the hosts of Season 49 | Deep SNL ThoughtsWhere did your favorite host wind up on the ‘Deep SNL Thoughts’ chart?![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The OmnicosmBill Kuchman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/thumbnail/host-rankings-illo3-45cbf2ee4f3ad2732fb9d9332e9ba511ace562d20d02f3dcc897ae74f5161ade.jpg)](https://www.theomnicosm.com/the-best-of-snl-the-worst-of-snl-its-time-to-rank-the-hosts-of-season-49/) [Deep SNL Thoughts: Looking back on a strike-shortened seasonWith the writers on strike, ‘SNL’ Season 48 appears to come to an end.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/icon/omnicosm-square-new-2-c65dc57cc607ea7041c8194e88bd82954dc521ba7c30c259c885df1f3e39949b.png)The OmnicosmBill Kuchman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/thumbnail/a6a69a50-5cbe-4990-a4b1-86d29198570a_8333x4688-jpeg-4f068fd7dbaf44995a5ece305ea903302fbe419f2ffc56deade12167ab29b129.jpg)](https://www.theomnicosm.com/deep-snl-thoughts-looking-back-on/) ![The Cold Open](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f4/8b/f48be8ca-23c6-4d81-b0cf-da2fb0785911/content/images/2026/02/the-cold-open-wordmark-2.png) The Cold Open is a publication of **The Omnicosm**. 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