Complete List of Season 50 SNL Hosts
Saturday Night Live gathered numerous Hollywood heavyweights to host episodes in its landmark 50th season.
Jean Smart launched the season in September, marking her SNL debut with musical guest Jelly Roll.
“I can’t express how honored I feel to host the premiere episode of season 50,” the Hacks star exclaimed during her opening monologue. “It’s truly amazing to be here. I haven’t dressed up and had a crowd of people applaud for me in days.”
She reminisced, “I remember watching the very first episode of SNL and thinking, ‘One day, I’m going to host that show.’ And this was the first Saturday that fit my schedule, but I’m thrilled to be here in New York.”
A few weeks later, Ariana Grande took the reins as host. She quickly captivated viewers with a series of musical skits and an on-screen kiss with Wicked co-star Bowen Yang, but it was “Domingo” that became the highlight of the night.
Grande played a bridesmaid in a wedding reception sketch, where she and a team of SNL cast members performed a rendition of Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso.” This version humorously focused on a bride’s fling with Domingo (Marcello Hernandez) during her bachelorette getaway.
“It blew up,” cast member Sarah Sherman shared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in late October. “When Ariana Grande did a poor rendition during the blocking rehearsal, everyone thought, ‘Oh, this is hilarious.’”
The “Domingo” sketch soon went viral on social media, leading to a follow-up with November host Charli XCX, which reinterpreted Chappell Roan’s “Hot to Go” at the baby shower of the same couple.
Continue reading to revisit each star who hosted SNL during season 50:
Jean Smart: Episode 1
In addition to her comedic appearances, Smart brought her Hacks co-star Hannah Einbinder for a surprise cameo on September 28, where they announced Jelly Roll’s second musical act.
Nate Bargatze: Episode 2
The comedian hosted SNL on October 5, featuring musical guest Coldplay, and reprised his sketch “Washington’s Dream” in a sequel. (Bargatze had previously hosted SNL in October 2023 as part of season 49.)
Ariana Grande: Episode 3
Grande was accompanied by musical guest Stevie Nicks.
“Before I begin, I just want to clarify one thing tonight: I am simply hosting,” Grande stated in her monologue. “I won’t make this about me. I plan to enjoy myself, keep it relaxed, and just stay low-key.”
Michael Keaton: Episode 4
Keaton hosted for the fourth time on October 19, with Billie Eilish as the musical guest.
“You know, when the show first aired in 1975, I was working on a very different production in Pittsburgh,” Keaton recounted in his monologue. “I was a production assistant on Mister Roger’s Neighborhood at WQED, and in the ‘70s, SNL and Mister Rogers had far more in common than you’d imagine. Lots of puppets, tons of cocaine [and] anyway, Fred was an incredible person. He’s everything you thought he was.”
Bill Burr: Episode 5
Burr hosted the show on November 9, along with musical guest Mk.gee.
John Mulaney: Episode 6
In Mulaney’s monologue on November 12, he extolled the joys of life with his then-6-month-old daughter Méi and wife Olivia Munn. Later in the episode, he reunited with friend (and former cast member) Pete Davidson for a humorous musical sketch about the challenges of NYC’s Port Authority bus station.
Charli XCX: Episode 7
Charli took on both roles as host and musical guest on November 16. Her standout moment featured a sequel to Grande’s “Domingo,” reimagined to “Hot to Go.” Fans were particularly excited that “Hot to Go” has the same number of letters as “Domingo,” making the song’s spelling segment flow seamlessly.
Paul Mescal: Episode 8
Mescal honored his film Gladiator II during the December 7 episode, featuring a parody in which he performed as a character from a fictional musical trailer. He also rode a broomstick similar to Cynthia Erivo in Wicked. (Gladiator II and Wicked premiered on the same day in late November.)
Chris Rock: Episode 9
Rock, an SNL veteran, made his return to host the show on December 14. In a sketch titled “Gallbladder Surgery,” he collaborated with Adam Sandler, sharing laughs as Sandler sprayed Rock and the cast with fake blood.
Martin Short: Episode 10
The former cast member returns to host the holiday special on December 21, featuring musical guest Hozier.
Dave Chappelle: Episode 11
The comedian made his fourth appearance as host, sharing the stage with performer GloRilla.
Timothée Chalamet: Episode 12
Chalamet not only hosted but also performed during season 50.
