On ‘SNL,’ Colman Domingo makes hosting debut with cool vibe and plenty of laughs

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Colman Domingo seems to be appearing in everything lately, and for good reason. At a recent screening of “Project Hail Mary,” I noticed he was featured in trailers for two different upcoming movies: a biopic about Michael Jackson where he plays Joe Jackson, and Steven Spielberg’s new sci-fi thriller, “Disclosure Day.”

The highly acclaimed actor is a strong contender to host “Saturday Night Live,” and many believe it’s about time he did. Beyond his work in films and television, he actually has a background in sketch comedy, having appeared on Logo TV’s “The Big Gay Sketch Show” nearly two decades ago.

Considering his talent and ability to play many different roles, it’s no surprise that Domingo would be perfect for “SNL.” And he proved it – throughout the show, even in weaker sketches, he was consistently funny and relaxed. He nailed every role, whether it was a sharp-tongued fashion teacher describing a criminal on TV, a barber giving relationship advice to white customers, a pimp at a funeral, or an astronaut making a heartfelt video diary. Colman consistently delivered.

He also excelled with some unusual and creative projects, including a humorous spin on the classic free-spirited teacher character (similar to “Dead Poet’s Society”), a science show where the host playfully incorporated costumes into the set, and a parody of “Animorphs” called “Beastomorphs,” where he played a villainous alien.

Colman was a fantastic and engaging host, delivering a memorable monologue. However, the show’s ending was awkward. While saying goodbye, Colman began to share a heartfelt message about “all the little boys in the inner cities,” but was cut off mid-sentence as the broadcast ended on both television and Peacock. This isn’t the first time this has happened this season, and the show really needs to find a way to ensure hosts have enough time to finish their closing remarks and allow for credits and goodbyes.

Musical guest Anitta performed “Choka Choka” and “Várias Quejas.”

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This week’s ‘SNL’ cold open featured James Austin Johnson as Donald Trump making a series of phone calls after dictating a social media post to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt (played by Ashley Padilla). He casually suggested posting “Praise be to Allah” wouldn’t cause issues, then jokingly pointed out Padilla had played two of his recent firings, Pam Bondi and Kristi Noem. Trump then called Tiger Woods (Kenan Thompson), mostly to make a pun about a DUI. Melania Trump (Chloe Fineman) called to ask if she could give a spontaneous speech denying involvement with the Epstein case, the Gilgo Beach murders, and parties with Diddy. These calls led into a briefing with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (Colin Jost) about the war with Iran, where Trump admitted sending J.D. Vance to negotiate was a deliberate stalling tactic. He quipped that after 20 hours with Vance, Iran was “ready to be bombed some more.” The segment ended with Hegseth performing a parody of Limp Bizkit’s “Nookie,” rewriting the lyrics to be about taking Iran’s oil. He concluded with, “$7 a gallon, Hegseth out!”

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Domingo smoothly launched into his opening remarks, joking that after appearing in so many shows – like “Fear the Walking Dead,” “Euphoria,” and “The Four Seasons” – and films, including the Oscar-nominated “Sing Sing,” people often feel like they already know him. He then talked about how good he is at creating a welcoming atmosphere, and he brought that energy to the show by requesting specific lighting to complement all skin tones and playing upbeat music. He introduced actor Jeremy Culhane, who looked great thanks to a flattering camera angle. Domingo even went into the audience to chat with a guest invited by one of the writers (telling everyone to keep it a secret!) and a couple who were clearly enjoying themselves. Overall, he successfully created a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

Best sketch of the night: Instead of therapy, get a haircut you won’t dare complain about

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This commercial parody highlights the struggles some white men face – divorce, relationship issues, and financial pressures like private school costs. Instead of seeking traditional therapy, it suggests Black barbershops offer a different kind of support. We see Uneek Kutz, where barbers Domingo, Thompson, and Kam Patterson provide clients with unconventional advice, playful nicknames, and even spark debates – like pitting ‘Martin’ characters Gina and Pam against each other (with Pam being the preferred choice, though the discussion should go on). The shop offers these men a boost of confidence in an unexpected setting.

Also good: Don’t be caught dead on the streets wearing ‘boho derogatory’

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A bank robbery in the Fashion District became the focus of a Spectrum News report. Couture professor D’artagnan Meringue and his students, who witnessed the suspect, spoke to a reporter about what they saw. Professor Meringue hilariously critiqued the robber’s fashion sense, and his students joined in with their own witty insults. The sketch was made even funnier with supporting characters like Jane Wickline, playing a student who doesn’t belong (“You are not cut out for this! Go to a normal college!” her professor shouts), and the fashion school’s dean (Mikey Day), who repeatedly walked into the shot to deliver outrageous comments to the robber, like telling him to “Unalive yourself!”

‘Weekend Update’ winner: It’s no wonder their phones get confiscated

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During the “Update” segment, Wickline played a Gen Z sex expert who appeared clueless, but it was Patterson and Hernández, playing a pair of mischievous students, who really stole the show. They were supposed to talk about inflation, and briefly offered a clear explanation, but mostly they playfully annoyed Jost with a series of “deez nutz” jokes, eventually prompting him to retaliate with one of his own. The duo effectively captured the fluctuating behavior of teenagers, switching between thoughtful comments and silly antics, and their shocked reaction to Jost’s comeback was particularly funny.

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2026-04-12 21:24