The Cream of the Crop: The Best SNL Hosts of All Time
Hello there, comedy enthusiasts! Today, we're going to dive into the world of Saturday Night Live (SNL) and celebrate the best SNL hosts who've graced the stage and left us in stitches. These legendary figures have not only hosted the show but also brought their unique charm and humor to make each episode unforgettable. So, grab your popcorn, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and best snl hosts.
The SNL Hosts Who Nailed It: A Closer Look
1. Tom Hanks: The Everyman's Everyman
Tom Hanks is not just one of the best SNL hosts, but he's also a national treasure. With his boyish charm and everyman appeal, Hanks hosted SNL a record five times. His first hosting gig was back in 1985, and he most recently hosted in 2016. Hanks' ability to slip into any character and his genuine likability make him a fan favorite. Who can forget his iconic "Mr. Short-Term Memory" sketch or his hilarious turn as David S. Pumpkins?
2. Darrell Hammond: The Man of a Thousand Voices
Darrell Hammond, a former SNL cast member, is often considered one of the best SNL hosts for his ability to impersonate a vast array of celebrities. With over 100 impressions under his belt, Hammond hosted SNL four times. His hosting gigs were filled with spot-on impressions, from Bill Clinton to Sean Connery. Hammond's ability to seamlessly transition from one character to another is a testament to his comedic prowess.
3. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler: The Power Duo
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, both former SNL cast members, are not only two of the best SNL hosts but also one of the best comedic duos of our time. They hosted SNL together eight times, with Fey hosting an additional three times on her own. Their hosting gigs were filled with hilarious skits, celebrity impressions, and their signature chemistry. From their "Weekend Update" days to their hosting duties at the Golden Globes, Fey and Poehler have proven that they're a force to be reckoned with.
The SNL Hosts Who Surprised Us: Unexpected but Amazing
4. Benedict Cumberbatch: The Unexpected Comedy King
When Benedict Cumberbatch hosted SNL in 2016, fans were surprised to see the usually serious actor let loose and showcase his comedic chops. But let us tell you, Cumberbatch nailed it! He brought his signature intensity to even the most absurd sketches, and his willingness to make fun of himself made for some hilarious moments. His hosting gig was a reminder that even the most unexpected celebrities can become one of the best SNL hosts.
5. Melissa McCarthy: The Queen of Physical Comedy
Melissa McCarthy, another former SNL cast member, is known for her hilarious physical comedy. When she hosted SNL in 2011 and 2017, she brought her A-game and then some. From her iconic impression of Sean Spicer to her hilarious turn as a puppet, McCarthy's hosting gigs were filled with laugh-out-loud moments. Her ability to commit to even the most ridiculous characters is a testament to her comedic talent.
The SNL Hosts Who Broke the Mold: Paving the Way for Future Hosts
6. Eddie Murphy: The SNL Legend
Eddie Murphy, a former SNL cast member, is often credited with saving SNL from cancellation in the late 1980s. His hosting gigs, which spanned from 1982 to 2015, were filled with hilarious skits and memorable characters. Murphy's ability to create unique, larger-than-life characters and bring them to life is a testament to his comedic genius. His hosting gigs not only entertained audiences but also paved the way for future SNL hosts.
7. Alec Baldwin: The Trump Impersonator
Alec Baldwin, another former SNL cast member, is known for his spot-on impression of Donald Trump. When he hosted SNL in 2017, his Trump impression took center stage. Baldwin's ability to capture Trump's mannerisms and speech patterns made for some hilarious and eerily accurate sketches. His hosting gig was a reminder that SNL is at its best when it's tackling current events and providing much-needed comic relief.
The SNL Hosts Who Kept Us Coming Back for More
8. Woody Harrelson: The Charming Host
Woody Harrelson, a three-time SNL host, is known for his laid-back, charming demeanor. His hosting gigs, which spanned from 1989 to 2015, were filled with memorable moments. From his hilarious impressions to his willingness to participate in even the most absurd sketches, Harrelson's hosting gigs were a testament to his comedic talent and versatility.
9. John Goodman: The Everyman's Best Friend
John Goodman, another former SNL cast member, is known for his everyman appeal and his ability to play the lovable, slightly dim-witted character. When he hosted SNL, he brought his signature charm and humor to the stage. His hosting gigs, which spanned from 1986 to 2015, were filled with memorable moments, from his iconic "Farmers Insurance" commercial parody to his hilarious turn as a bumbling detective.
The SNL Hosts Who Proved That Comedy Knows No Bounds
10. Fred Armisen and Maya Rudolph: The Musical Comedy Duo
Fred Armisen and Maya Rudolph, both former SNL cast members, are known for their musical comedy chops. When they hosted SNL together in 2010, they brought their signature humor and musical talent to the stage. Their hosting gig was filled with hilarious skits and memorable musical performances. From their hilarious take on "Glee" to their spot-on impressions of celebrity musicians, Armisen and Rudolph proved that comedy knows no bounds.
The SNL Hosts Who Left Us Wanting More
11. Emma Stone: The Musical Comedy Queen
Emma Stone, a three-time SNL host, is known for her comedic timing and her musical talent. Her hosting gigs, which spanned from 2010 to 2017, were filled with hilarious skits and memorable musical performances. From her hilarious impressions of celebrities like Ivanka Trump to her spot-on take on "La La Land," Stone's hosting gigs left us wanting more.
12. Ryan Gosling: The Heartthrob Who Can Act, Sing, and Dance
Ryan Gosling, another former SNL cast member, is known for his heartthrob status and his comedic chops. When he hosted SNL in 2015, he brought his signature charm and humor to the stage. His hosting gig was filled with memorable moments, from his hilarious impressions of celebrities like Steve Bannon to his spot-on take on "The Notebook."
The SNL Hosts Who Remind Us Why We Love SNL
13. Lady Gaga: The Mother Monster
Lady Gaga, a three-time SNL host, is known for her over-the-top persona and her musical talent. Her hosting gigs, which spanned from 2010 to 2017, were filled with hilarious skits and memorable musical performances. From her hilarious impressions of celebrities like Hillary Clinton to her epic musical performances, Gaga's hosting gigs reminded us why we love SNL.
14. Drake: The Rap God
Drake, another former SNL cast member, is known for his musical talent and his comedic chops. When he hosted SNL in 2014, he brought his signature humor and musical talent to the stage. His hosting gig was filled with memorable moments, from his hilarious impressions of celebrities like Kanye West to his epic musical performances.
The SNL Hosts Who Prove That Comedy is Universal
15. Gal Gadot: The Wonder Woman
Gal Gadot, a two-time SNL host, is known for her action-packed roles and her comedic timing. Her hosting gigs, which spanned from 2017 to 2018, were filled with hilarious skits and memorable moments. From her hilarious impressions of celebrities like Ivanka Trump to her epic musical performances, Gadot's hosting gigs proved that comedy is universal.
16. Dwayne Johnson: The Rock
Dwayne Johnson, another former SNL cast member, is known for his larger-than-life persona and his comedic chops. When he hosted SNL in 2015, he brought his signature humor and charisma to the stage. His hosting gig was filled with memorable moments, from his hilarious impressions of celebrities like Donald Trump to his epic musical performances.
The SNL Hosts Who Remind Us That Comedy is Subjective
17. Justin Timberlake: The Man of Many Talents
Justin Timberlake, a five-time SNL host, is known for his musical talent and his comedic chops. His hosting gigs, which spanned from 2003 to 2018, were filled with hilarious skits and memorable musical performances. From his hilarious impressions of celebrities like Kanye West to his epic musical performances, Timberlake's hosting gigs reminded us that comedy is subjective.
18. Jimmy Fallon: The SNL Alumni
Jimmy Fallon, another former SNL cast member, is known for his comedic timing and his musical talent. When he hosted SNL, he brought his signature humor and charisma to the stage. His hosting gigs, which spanned from 2001 to 2014, were filled with memorable moments, from his hilarious impressions of celebrities like Donald Trump to his epic musical performances.
The SNL Hosts Who Remind Us That Comedy is a Team Effort
19. Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele: The Comedy Duo
Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, both former SNL cast members, are known for their hilarious sketch comedy. When they hosted SNL together in 2016, they brought their signature humor and chemistry to the stage. Their hosting gig was filled with memorable moments, from their hilarious impressions of celebrities like Barack Obama to their epic musical performances.
20. Cecily Strong and Sasheer Zamata: The SNL Sisters
Cecily Strong and Sasheer Zamata, both former SNL cast members, are known for their comedic timing and their ability to play off each other. When they hosted SNL together in 2014, they brought their signature humor and chemistry to