SNL might have been on-air for nearly 50 years, but the program manages to feel fresh and, importantly, funny, thanks to its ever-evolving roster of A-list hosts. Over the years, actors, singers, and even sports players and tech magnates have dabbled at the coveted gig, giving up their week to tirelessly rehearse skits, all culminating in a live Saturday evening performance.
Feel like revisiting the archives? Below, RUSSH’s guide to the best SNL hosts to date. You're welcome.
Paul Mescal (2024)
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We swear we're not biased, but we couldn't leave Paul Mescal off this list. The actor proved he's adept at more than just heart-wrenching dramas with his comedic timing in several skits. Honourable mention goes to the revised musical version of Gladiator II (which featured Paul on a broomstick giving the iconic Wicked battle cry), and Trisha Paytas' cameo. The cross-over we never knew we needed.
Kristen Wiig (2013, 2016, 2020, 2020, 2024)
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Kristen Wiig got her start in the industry as an SNL cast member, so it's no surprise she knocks it out of the park as a host. The actress (who is a member of the esteemed 'Five-Timers' club, for celebs who have hosted five times) often revives some of her most famous characters from her time on the show, like Dooneese and Aunt Linda, and reminds us why we fell in love with her in the first place.
Ariana Grande (2016, 2024)
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Ariana Grande first appeared on SNL as a musical guest in 2014, before making her hosting debut in 2016. But it was her most recent turn in 2024 that really caught our attention. Not only did the star prove herself adept at impressions with her hilarious takes on Jennifer Coolidge and Celine Dion, but she also played a role in the show's most viral sketch to date, 'Domingo.'
Ryan Gosling (2015, 2017, 2024)
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Ryan Gosling is the kind of actor that exudes charisma, so it's really no surprise he shines as an SNL host. While he did score the gig in 2015 and 2017, he really won our hearts (and the world) in 2024. Not only did he revive his most famous sketches to-date about an alien abduction (co-starring SNL icon Kate Mckinnon who returned for the occasion), but he also brought us new material to obsess over. Namely, the now-viral 'Beavis and Butt-Head' clip.
Pedro Pascal (2024)
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Pedro Pascal surprised us all with his impeccable comedic timing in early 2024, when he made his SNL hosting debut. His appearance was stacked with funny characters, but most memorable of all was undoubtedly his role as 'Protective Mum'. The actor donned full drag for the occasion, transforming into an over-protective Latina mother, meeting her son’s (Marcello Hernandez) new girlfriend (Chloe Fineman) for the first time.
Emma Stone (2010, 2011, 2016, 2019, 2023)
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Emma Stone is another Five-Timers veteran, who rightly deserves the honour. Over the years, she's delivered us plenty of funny fodder, from a parody Fisher-Price commercial for "Sensitive Little Boys" (which was directed by her now-husband), to Mitch, a record producer working with Mama Cass on her hit song, 'Make Your Own Kind Of Music.'
Ayo Edebiri (2024)
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We knew Ayo Edebiri was funny, but her role as host really solidified it. The breakout actress had as giggling throughout the entire episode, but our favourite by-far was her instant-classic character Solomon, a hyper-religious student who goes into panic mode when a hypnotist visits their school.
Timothée Chalamet (2020, 2023)
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How could we forget about Timmy? The actor was practically possessed by the spirit of Troye Sivan during his second time hosting, with his genuinely hilarious impression. Naturally, he completed the bit by wearing the same outfit from Troye's 'Got Me Started' video, and nailing the accompanying dance. Other notable mentions go to his monologue, which featured a rap about having a baby face, alongside cast member Marcello Hernandez.
