Harry Styles returned to charm at ‘SNL,’ and he’s definitely not ‘queerbaiting’

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Harry Styles has performed on “Saturday Night Live” several times, both with his old group One Direction and as a solo musician. He’s also hosted the show before, so he’s familiar with being on both sides of the stage.

As a huge fan, it was amazing to see the pop star back hosting Studio 8H for the second time! It’s been over six years since his first time, and so much has happened – he’s been in a couple of movies like “Don’t Worry Darling” and “My Policeman,” and put out two albums, including his newest one, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.” He was there this week to perform songs from it, and the whole show was fantastic.

Harry Styles naturally exudes charisma, likely developed through years of performing as a musician. Now, with some acting experience, he’s well-prepared to perform on stage, and the timing is ideal as many actors are already in Los Angeles for the Oscars.

He performed a series of sketches, including one where a prosecutor was hilariously distracted by a well-known comedian who was defending a suspected thief. He also presented a pre-recorded sketch parodying the popular TV show “The Pitt,” and ended the show with a sketch where he played himself advertising a clothing line for Target based on his iconic looks.

Music

The pop star’s latest album, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally,” is a really fun and engaging experience that pulls you right into the world of club music.

He was particularly strong in segments that showcased his singing and dancing, like a promotional video for a German cruise line called “Sparkle of the Sea,” and a pre-recorded sketch, “She’s an Irish Dancer,” which playfully referenced St. Patrick’s Day. While sketches featuring Best Buy employees and Styles as a White Castle drive-thru worker were good, they were overshadowed by Jane Wickline and Veronika Slowikowska, who were hilarious as two nerdy girls trying to get a date with him for the school dance.

Harry Styles performed his new song, “Dance No More,” after being introduced by last week’s show host, Ryan Gosling – a humorous moment considering Styles had previously interrupted Gosling’s stand-up routine. Later, music legend Paul Simon came on stage to introduce Styles before he played his second song, “Coming Up Roses.”

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This week’s Saturday Night Live cold open addressed the war in Iran with a darkly comedic sketch. It featured a family at a gas station debating whether to fill up their car due to the high price of gas. The situation escalates with the mother suggesting they leave one of their children behind to afford the fuel. Suddenly, a Donald Trump impersonator appears, explaining the situation is linked to the release of the Epstein files, framing it as a ‘butterfly effect’ where one event triggers another. Trump then sarcastically reminds viewers of his past campaign promises of lower gas prices and ending wars, quipping that promises are simply ‘lies that haven’t happened yet.’ He describes the stock market’s performance in terms Harry Styles fans would understand, earning a reaction from the audience. The sketch concludes with Trump joking about Iran’s age and unpopularity, comparing it to things like ballet, opera, and actor Timothée Chalamet, referencing a recent controversy surrounding the actor.

Trump claims the situation is well in hand, and he’s been consulting with various people, including social media personality and boxer Jake Paul, who apparently received a lot of boos at his fight with Mike Tyson. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth jokingly responded to a comment about alcohol by saying it was just soda after some cans fell from the car. He then thanked Trump for a gift of expensive shoes – size 16 Florsheims, which reports indicate Trump often gives to close associates. Hegseth confidently stated they are succeeding in the conflict with Iran, and jokingly advised oil tankers navigating the Strait of Hormuz to act like he would at a sobriety checkpoint: ‘Just go for it!’

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Harry Styles, looking sharp in a pinstripe suit, explained he jumped at the chance to host the show when he found out his favorite musical act was booked. After finishing his tour in 2023, he took some much-needed time off, reflecting on a life spent touring and writing songs that people often misinterpreted—he simply enjoys both fruit and, well, intimacy. He acknowledged the attention paid to his fashion choices and playfully responded to accusations of ‘queerbaiting’ with a cheeky, “Maybe you don’t know everything about me.” During his break, he surprisingly took up mundane hobbies like jogging, even completing a marathon in under three hours, which caused a stir in the running community. He joked that was a better alternative than what he showed on screen, an image of Prince Andrew. Now, he’s promoting his new album, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally,” playfully questioning who wouldn’t want to kiss? He clarified he doesn’t always want to kiss everyone, leading to a quick appearance and exit by cast members Fineman and Sarah Sherman, except for Ben Marshall, whom he openly complimented and kissed, declaring, “Now that’s queerbaiting.”

Best sketch of the night: I don’t know if your dad did this, but my dad used to pop it twice

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The show opened with a courtroom scene. A New Jersey prosecutor, played by Styles, began presenting his case against Mr. Donovan (Tommy Brennan), who was representing himself. The judge, Kenan Thompson, then appointed comedian Sebastian Maniscalco (Hernández) as his lawyer. This was the second time Hernández has played himself on the show, and his portrayal – complete with a red blazer and black turtleneck – is consistently funny, both accurate and over-the-top. During the prosecutor’s explanation of the charges – stealing $5,000 worth of goods, including a belt – Maniscalco interjected with quick-witted comments. He joked about his own childhood, explaining, “My dad used a belt to keep me in line, not to hold up my pants!” Maniscalco’s energetic performance proved challenging for the courtroom sketch artist, who complained to the judge and presented a drawing of a blurry, distorted figure. Styles did a great job staying focused despite Maniscalco’s antics, but ultimately got his own moment to shine with an impression of the comedian. The final sketch of Maniscalco was so good, it deserved to be in a museum!

Also good: Why get real healthcare when you’ve got ‘Mahaspital’

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Everyone’s been talking about the TV show “The Pitt” for its realistic depiction of hospital emergency rooms and the pressures faced by doctors and nurses. So when a new show started, looking very similar, the audience went crazy with excitement. However, this wasn’t “The Pitt”; it was “Mahaspital,” created by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the team behind the Make America Healthy Again movement. The show’s star mimics a character from “The Pitt,” rushing towards a patient, but with a very different approach. Instead of medical treatment, he orders a steak, beef tallow, and six raw eggs. The sketch highlights key beliefs of the MAHA movement, including the use of healing crystals, skepticism towards vaccines, a preference for raw milk, and a strong emphasis on protein. And it even includes a reference to a bear in Central Park.

‘Weekend Update’ winner: Battle of the heart (emojis)

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This week on “Update,” Michael Che and Jost primarily discussed the situation in Iran, but they also briefly covered the upcoming Oscars. They featured an impersonation of Tucker Carlson, performed by Jeremy Culhane, to discuss the Best Picture nominees. Culhane’s portrayal was remarkably accurate, perfectly mimicking Carlson’s speaking style and tendency to ask questions, and it was a highlight of the segment.

Day and Hernández were the highlights of the segment, playfully reacting to Apple’s release of eight new emojis. Hernández jokingly claimed the new emojis would be more popular than Day’s, boasting about being the most useful emoji. Day, representing the aerial tramway emoji, tried to explain other potential uses, but wasn’t very convincing. He did point out his strong supporting cast of emojis – the orange square, division sign, snorkel, and a building with a horn. Day fully committed to the bit, making Hernández laugh. Expect to see the aerial tramway emoji (and its companion emoji with two arrows) popping up in texts a lot more often.

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2026-03-15 11:01