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The Best Saturday Night Live Hosts of All Time

BBG News

To mark the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live, we’re honoring the hosts who are truly primed for stardom. However, what constitutes one of the greatest SNL hosts is open to interpretation, so this list doesn’t claim to be universal. It features acclaimed actors, captivating athletes, and past SNL cast members. Regrettably, we couldn’t include as many fan favorites as we would have liked, such as Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, and Martin Short. Unfortunately, due to the need for selectivity in choosing those who already have an advantage in the competition, they were not included.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but notice the impressive roster of SNL hosts who’ve graced our screens five times or more, known as the Five-Timers Club members. Yet, there are some one-timers whose extraordinary talents were simply too compelling to resist, such as Donald Glover, who last hosted in 2018. It leaves me pondering, why hasn’t he returned? The list is brimming with hilarious individuals like Melissa McCarthy, who never fails to crack us up, and Adam Driver, whose comic timing took us by surprise and earned him a well-deserved spot on this esteemed list.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve got to say that some of the recent SNL hosts have truly won our hearts, but their impressive body of work is still growing, and they haven’t quite reached the legendary status just yet. Nevertheless, I can’t wait to see what Aubrey Plaza, Ariana Grande, and Pedro Pascal bring to the table the next time they grace Studio 8H with their presence. From Alec Baldwin to Kristen Wiig, these 27 SNL hosts never fail to deliver an unforgettable performance.

Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin has hosted Saturday Night Live (SNL) more times than any other person in its history, making him the record holder. This count doesn’t include his numerous appearances as President Donald Trump and recurring characters. From 1990 to 2017, he brought laughter with memorable sketches such as “Schweddy Balls” and the Christmas-themed parody of “Glengarry Glen Ross,” titled “always be cobbling.” Over time, Baldwin has been a subject of controversy outside of SNL, even being involved in an SNL dispute in the ’90s over a sketch some perceived as making light of pedophilia. Nevertheless, Lorne Michaels continues to invite Baldwin back due to his ability to make people laugh, regardless of personal opinions about him.

Charles Barkley

In his four appearances on Saturday Night Live (SNL), retired NBA star and current TNT analyst Charles Barkley has often found himself glancing at cue cards. However, there’s a certain charm in how awkwardly he fits into the sketch environment. Despite potentially lacking acting skills, his natural charisma, wit, and boldness more than compensate for this. Whether portraying a tutor on a homework hotline or an inmate aiming to reform some students, it’s difficult not to appreciate his performances, no matter what role he takes on. Barkley may not be the best SNL host of all time, but undeniably, he ranks among the greatest athletes to ever grace the show.

Drew Barrymore

1982 saw Drew Barrymore, fresh off her success in “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial,” making history as the youngest ever host of SNL, a title she still holds today. At just seven years old, she demonstrated a comedic talent far beyond her years during her opening skit that satirized then-SNL producer Dick Ebersol. Over the years, she has returned to host five more times in 1999, 2001 (during which the studio experienced an anthrax scare), 2004, 2007, and 2009. Regardless of whether she was portraying an enthusiastic Banana Republic salesperson, a socially awkward party magician, or Abigail Breslin on “The Dakota Fanning Show,” she always embraced the opportunity to be eccentric. Perhaps her most memorable performance was when she joined The Love-ahs for a hot tub dip.

Candice Bergen

1975 marked the debut of Candice Bergen as the first female host of Saturday Night Live. She would go on to host the show again within the same year. It wasn’t until 15 years later, in 1990, that she became a member of the Five-Timers Club. During this time, she was renowned for several iconic sketches such as “Extremely Stupid,” a public service announcement from the Right to Extreme Stupidity League with Gilda Radner, the initial performance of Land Shark, and “Consumer Probe: Irwin Mainway” where she played a journalist questioning Dan Aykroyd’s toy maker about potentially hazardous items like Bag O’ Glass.

Timothée Chalamet

Timothée Chalamet has been a guest host on Saturday Night Live three times since 2020, and each appearance has sparked a frenzy on the internet due to his hilarious Troye Sivan impersonation, his questionable rapping skills, and his memorable bond with a miniature horse in the bizarre Digital Short “Tiny Horse,” which later led to its futuristic sequel “Giant Horse.” However, it’s his eagerness to make fun of himself, such as poking fun at his Martin Scorsese-directed perfume commercial or his petite mustache, while also being unafraid to break wind in the name of humor, that has earned him a spot on this list. His ability to embody his internet heartthrob status while simultaneously challenging it (both figuratively and literally) is what makes him one of the most promising young actors in Hollywood and one of the best new generation SNL hosts.

Danny DeVito

In every instance that Danny DeVito has hosted Saturday Night Live, he appears to never skip a beat, unlike many other hosts. Instead of frequently consulting cue cards, he delivers his material effortlessly and spontaneously, making each skit feel authentic. This natural talent can be attributed to his extensive sitcom background. Whether portraying a suspect trying to avoid incrimination, an individual undergoing an unexpected stress test, or even a Gap model, DeVito’s ability to convincingly perform various roles – often within the same episode – is what sets him apart as an exceptional host.

Adam Driver

In a refreshing and captivating manner, four-time emcee Adam Driver consistently impresses. Be it portraying an oil tycoon, an overzealous medieval reenactor at Medieval Times, or Kylo Ren during an episode of Undercover Boss, he deftly employs his impressive acting skills to transform the serious into something laugh-out-loud funny. Who could forget how he pronounced “biscotti”? It was a moment of pure brilliance! The cast concurs that Driver is a natural talent. Colin Jost shared on the Table for Two with Bruce Bozzi podcast last year that Driver exhibits intriguing choices as a host, likening him to Will Ferrell in his commanding presence during table reads. Such accolades solidify his well-deserved place on this list.

Will Ferrell

Every time comedic legend Will Ferrell graces Studio 8H on Saturday Night Live, it’s a delightful throwback to his exceptional comic talent. He effortlessly resumes his performance, yet avoids repetition of his classic skits. Instead, he offers fresh content that appears tailor-made for the SNL archives: characters like the transformed reality star, the teased coworker, the man in need of extra-strength deodorant, the rhyming flight attendant, the peculiar teacher who crashes house parties, and so on. At times, Ferrell’s natural humor is more than enough to tickle our funny bones. Find this hard to believe? Just witness his 2019 monologue where he spots Ryan Reynolds in the audience.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover made a single appearance as host on the show in 2018, where he took on dual roles, serving both as the musical guest and the program’s emcee. In his opening monologue, he playfully jested that he had auditioned for the show on two occasions and still harbored a bit of resentment over not being cast. As Frank Sinatra once said, “The best revenge is massive success,” and this episode demonstrated that the show had erred in their decision years prior. Glover skillfully crafted an episode with minimal filler, achieving significant successes through sketches featuring him as a lawyer for Jurassic Park, a rapper focused on therapy, a man trapped in the “Kanye Place,” and a husband struggling to appreciate his wife’s explicit conversations. These segments were so impressive that they earned him a place on this list and hopefully an invitation to return in the near future.

John Goodman

For over a decade now, John Goodman hasn’t hosted the show again, but during his 13 hosting stints from 1989 to 2013, he certainly didn’t waste his comedic talent. He portrayed Wilford Brimley, a man with a grandiose self-image and a loser; a die-hard Chicago Bears fan who also adores the Bulls; a dancing snowflake; and an ardent salesman fixated on Bill Bradsky. Throughout his hosting tenure, Goodman also made numerous cameos, playing characters like former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Monica Lewinsky’s confidante, Linda Tripp. This diverse range of roles only underscores how consistently entertaining a host he has always been and would continue to be.

Ryan Gosling

Although Ryan Gosling often strays from his character, the three episodes he hosted in 2015, 2017, and 2024 stand out as particularly noteworthy. In these episodes, Gosling demonstrated his versatility through digital shorts such as “Papyrus,” where he becomes overly enthusiastic about the Avatar font. His interpretation of “Santa Baby” transforms a Christmas party into a Quentin Tarantino-esque scene. Alongside Kate McKinnon in “Close Encounter,” Gosling couldn’t help but laugh, playing opposite an honest alien abductee. More recently, his collaboration with Mikey Day on Season 49’s most popular sketch, where they portray characters who mysteriously resemble Beavis and Butt-Head, had everyone laughing out loud. It’s become increasingly obvious that when Gosling is the host, it’s essential viewing.

Tiffany Haddish

2017 marked Tiffany Haddish’s first appearance as the host of Saturday Night Live, following the success of her movie “Girl’s Trip.” This was her only time winning an Emmy for hosting. Her monologue highlighted her stand-up abilities, but it was skits like “The Last Black Unicorn” and “Tournament Fighter” that demonstrated her aptitude for sketch comedy. The highlight of the show was undoubtedly the “Whiskers R We” sketch, where she improvised a line that did something extraordinary – it made Kate McKinnon break character live on-air.

Jon Hamm

In 2008, when three-time host Jon Hamm first appeared, he demonstrated beyond doubt that he was a far cry from his “Mad Men” character Don Draper. Though he poked fun at Don’s womanizing habits in the Digital Short titled “Don Draper’s Guide to Dating,” he primarily portrayed an array of eccentric characters. He transformed into a saxophone player resembling Kenny G in the Digital Short “The Curse” and collaborated with Michael Bublé on a restaurant concept named Hamm & Bublé (pronounced “bubbly”). Throughout, he remained dedicated to his roles, which merits him a place on this list.

Tom Hanks

The friendliest star of Hollywood has graced the stage of Saturday Night Live a total of ten times from 1985 to 2020, and he always feels completely comfortable there. (Did you know? He was the one who first mentioned the Five-Timers Club, thankfully, which doesn’t adhere to the Fight Club rule.) Rest assured, his gaze is never off or does he ever forget his lines. He consistently handles the swift-moving live show with ease and enthusiasm, even when he plays roles that challenge the norm. Case in point: his performance on Celebrity Jeopardy. However, his most memorable SNL moments are those where he lets his inner oddball shine, such as in “The Haunted Elevator” sketch featuring David S. Pumpkins, who truly is a unique character all on his own.

Scarlett Johansson

People who believed Scarlett Johansson was only a serious actress were pleasantly surprised when she appeared on Saturday Night Live in 2006, playing roles such as a Scandinavian Food Network host and a pregnant subject of Super Sweet 16. Since then, as a six-time host, she has demonstrated her ability to make many things humorous – from child actors performing Brokeback Mountain, to a bionic flight attendant, Kunk the mermaid. Moreover, it turns out she’s quite skillful at selling luxury items like chandeliers, marble columns, porcelain fountains, and ceramic busts. Wow!

Peyton Manning

In 2007, NFL icon Peyton Manning demonstrated his on-screen charm when he hosted Saturday Night Live. He not only proved to be a natural off the field, but also managed to subvert his wholesome image in sketches like “United Way” and “Locker Room Motivation”, where he danced alongside Will Forte. If Manning’s SNL appearance was indeed a one-time event, it’s evident that he left an impressive mark as a winner. Frankly, is there anything this man can’t excel at?

Steve Martin

Many people believe that Steve Martin, who has hosted Saturday Night Live a staggering 16 times since his first appearance in 1976, stands out as the greatest host of all time. If you take a look at some of his most memorable skits like “King Tut,” “Two Wild and Crazy Guys,” his holiday wishes, or the musical cold open from 1991 about avoiding complacency, it’s tough to argue against this sentiment. Martin is the only person who has managed to host the show five consecutive years, and he hosted three times in just one year alone (1978)! He seemed so frequent on the New York stage that it was easy to mistake him for a permanent cast member, despite not being one. His unique talent lies in his ability to elevate any sketch, even those that weren’t particularly strong. For instance, Andy Samberg apologized last year on The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast for involving Martin in a mediocre sketch called “Surf Meeting,” which was challenging for even Martin to salvage. However, it’s his skill at enhancing sketches without belittling others that makes him one of the best, if not the very best, Saturday Night Live host ever.

Melissa McCarthy

From 2011 to 2017, Melissa McCarthy graced the stage of SNL a total of five times, leaving audiences in stitches with her exceptional comedic talent. (She even received an Emmy for her latest performance.) Before becoming famous, she was part of The Groundlings, and she’s never failed to crack us up whether as a flustered pizza shop owner, smitten colleague, vengeful daughter, or bewildered game show host on Million Dollar Wheel. She also excelled in portraying the controversial figure of Sheila Kelly, a former basketball coach turned Congress member. Not to mention her spot-on impersonation of Sean Spicer, Donald Trump’s press secretary for a short while. Regardless of the character she plays or the wig she sports, she always steals the show.

John Mulaney

Whenever John Mulaney, the ex-SNL writer and stand-up comedian, graces Studio 8H, he never falls short of delivering. That’s why this past seven years have seen him hosting SNL six times, with two appearances in 2020 alone. His unique brand of humor consistently delights the audience, featuring offbeat skits like a reimagined version of The Sound of Music, a revival of the fictional 1987 sitcom Switcheroo, and four Broadway-style musical parodies centered around New York City. Given his history of creating characters such as Stefon, it’s no surprise that he continues to impress us.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman showcased her exceptional comedic talent on Saturday Night Live, particularly in the popular Digital Short “Natalie Raps.” However, to truly appreciate her humor, watch her performances from 2006 and 2018. During these episodes, she demonstrated her knack for comedy by impersonating Eleven from Stranger Things, using a New England accent, donning a Jackie O hat, and even rapping again. Although we may not be able to praise Jar Jar Binks (apologies, Natalie), we can certainly acknowledge that Portman is a gifted comedian.

Paul Rudd

Without a doubt, Paul Rudd can be counted on as one of SNL’s most consistently fantastic hosts. Whether it’s his role as the straight man alongside Justin Timberlake and Andy Samberg in the “Single Ladies” sketch where he mimicked Beyoncé’s iconic dance or showcasing his quirky side in sketches like “Kissing Family,” Paul’s innate humor is always on display. It’s this reliability that makes him the ideal companion for a Saturday evening stretch of laughter. Fortunately, Lorne Michaels shares our sentiment.

Paul Simon

In 1975, The Five-Timer first graced the stage during the second episode of the show, but it wasn’t until the following year that his monologue earned him a spot among the greatest SNL hosts ever. Dressed as a Thanksgiving turkey, he sang “Still Crazy After All These Years,” before abruptly halting to grumble about the concept with his friend Lorne Michaels. Despite his worry that he looked foolish, the turkey costume became one of the most iconic moments in the show’s history. Simon’s performances on SNL demonstrated that he was more than just a renowned singer and songwriter; he also showed off his comedic skills, and even displayed some impressive basketball abilities as well.

Emma Stone

Whenever Emma Stone takes the stage for Saturday Night Live, she consistently demonstrates why she’s both worthy of joining the Five-Timers Club and a two-time Academy Award winner. Growing up, Stone was inspired by SNL legends like Gilda Radner and Molly Shannon, and it seems as though she’s embodying them when she plays characters such as the high-pitched dorm room poster girl craving greasy burgers or the clairvoyant ’60s music executive helping Mama Cass foresee her impact on future movie trailers or a mother seeking a unique toy for her special son in the commercial parody “Wells for Boys,” one of SNL’s finest Digital Shorts. It’s Stone’s remarkable versatility and knack for adding a side-splitting dramatic depth to even the most absurd scenarios (as shown in “The Actress”) that has solidified her as one of the greatest hosts of her generation.

Justin Timberlake

Between 2003 and 2013, Justin Timberlake appeared as the host for SNL on five occasions and received two Emmy Awards, primarily due to his collaborations with The Lonely Island on “Dick in a Box.” However, he was not just a one-time success; he also excelled in sketches like “The Barry Gibb Talkshow,” the digitally produced short “3-Way (The Golden Rule)” featuring Lady Gaga, and “The Merryville Brothers: Love Tunnel,” where he portrayed an animatronic character. All of his SNL hits seamlessly combined his comedic timing with his pop star skills, establishing him as a unique host.

Christopher Walken

Christopher Walken possesses an unique ability to transform ordinary phrases into hilarious gems. This talent has been instrumental in each of his seven appearances on Saturday Night Live (SNL). During his hosting stint in 2008, he portrayed a gardener who gave googly eyes to his plants to reduce their perceived fear. The humor was primarily derived from the way he said “googly,” which might seem repetitive, but it’s hard not to laugh at the way he pronounced that word. It’s almost impossible to resist the laughter.

Throughout his career, Walken has been involved in several memorable sketches, such as the recurring and eerie “The Continental” and a sketch featuring a manager interviewing a job applicant who just so happens to be a centaur. However, his most iconic moment on SNL remains the legendary “More Cowbell” sketch. Here, he played the fictional producer Bruce Dickinson, informing Blue Oyster Cult about their need for, you guessed it, more cowbell. Walken maintained a straight face despite everyone else cracking up, including the professional comedian Will Ferrell. This is an achievement that only a handful of hosts could manage. It’s this unique talent that has earned him a Best Of SNL video all his own.

Kerry Washington

2013 marked Kerry Washington’s first time hosting, following the show’s criticism for insufficient representation of Black female cast members. In her opening sketch, she humorously pointed out that she had to portray every significant Black woman – Michelle Obama, Oprah, and Beyoncé – due to the lack of a Black actress in the cast. The sketch even acknowledged the awkward situation the producers put her in with a self-deprecating apology. Despite the show’s controversy, Washington gracefully navigated it by delivering humorous sketches such as a contestant on MTV’s fictional dating show “Date or Diss,” an art teacher who perhaps shouldn’t have volunteered for the dunk tank, and the host of the fake game show “Cartoon Catchphrase.” Washington’s exceptional performance during her one-time appearance earned her a place on this list and hopefully sets the stage for another hosting opportunity in the future.

Kristen Wiig

Whenever Kristen Wiig revisits the SNL stage, it’s clear that the show has been missing her unique charm. Given her frequent appearances in sketches since her 2013 hosting debut, a year after she parted ways with the program, it’s no surprise that she was inducted into the Five-Timers Club recently. From reviving iconic characters like Aunt Linda to daringly taking on eccentric roles such as a dance-loving French pop star, a woman terrified of being trapped in Jumanji, or a maniacal Pilates instructor, Kristen’s fearless approach to comedy sets her apart as one of the most exceptional SNL cast members. Now, as an exceptional host, she continues to shine.

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2025-02-15 17:07

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