On December 14, comedian Chris Rock returned to the Saturday Night Live (SNL) stage, marking his fourth time hosting the iconic program. Joining him was musical guest Gracie Abrams, who performed her songs during the broadcast, adding to the evening’s entertainment. Rock, who had his early career shaped by SNL from 1990 to 1993, is undoubtedly regarded as one of comedy's most prominent figures today. This episode showcased his legendary status alongside the surprise appearance of fellow comedian Adam Sandler, which proved to be one of the highlights of the evening.
Though Chris Rock's hosting skills are well-established, this specific night was met with mixed reviews. While his monologue touched on several topical issues—ranging from current events to personal jests—it was also noted for moments where Rock appeared slow to react, particularly during live sketches. Observers noted he had difficulty at times reading lines from cue cards, which detracted from his otherwise stellar comedic reputation.
Despite these hiccups, Rock made his mark with some standout moments. His monologue kicked off on a strong note, which included congratulating SNL producer Lorne Michaels on the show’s 50th anniversary. Rock didn’t hold back, tackling hot-button topics like Donald Trump and incidents involving public figures. He humorously referenced the potential deportation of celebrities, saying, "J. Lo’s gonna marry Ben (Affleck) again just so she can stay in the country… I know she’s not Mexican… but Trump doesn’t know那that.” He even speculated on the number of 'rapists' linked to past American presidents, saying, "You know how many rapists are in my wallet right now? A cup of coffee in America costs seven rapists.”
One of the evening’s well-received sketches involved Rock’s commentary on the less glamorous sides of office holiday parties. A pre-taped sketch illustrated this theme vividly, portraying the awkward interactions and challenges of office dynamics. Rock partnered with cast member Ego Nwodim as they navigated humorous conflicts within the dull atmosphere. The sketch humorously highlighted everything from awkward food choices to unwanted small talk. "The soggiest food you’ve ever seen… so wet," remarked Rock, perfectly encapsulating the cringeworthy experience of such gatherings.
Adding to the episode’s spontaneous energy was the surprise appearance of Adam Sandler, who enhanced the overall fun. Appearing as a patient during a surgery sketch, Sandler’s commitment to goofiness shone through as he ad-libbed and joked, effectively breaking the fourth wall and enhancing the comedic momentum for Rock. The two former co-stars visibly enjoyed playing off one another, creating memorable moments.
Musical guest Gracie Abrams made her SNL debut, performing her songs “That’s So True” and “I Love You, I’m Sorry” to prove she belonged on the same stage as the comedy giants around her. Reviewers praised her performance, commenting positively on her vocals and engaging presence.
The show's vibrant cold open featured Nancy Grace, played by Sarah Sherman, who parodied the host of YouTube’s Crime Stories, characteristically emphasizing exaggerated mannerisms. Sherman’s portrayal was especially noted for its flamboyant energy, referencing recent true crime cases humorously. This set the stage for the comic tone of the evening, as Grace's over-the-top antics kicked off the live show.
Overall, Chris Rock’s hosting this time met fans with mixed reactions, but the blend of planned sketches and improvisation did yield some gold moments. While there were noticeable struggles with loading and executing his lines, Rock's comedic talents prevailed throughout the night's various pre-taped clips and sketches, signaling enduring confidence on stage.
With the return of such legendary SNL personas, both the audience and longtime viewers of the series are left reminiscing about the past, wondering about the sketch comedy roots from which they all emerged. Rock’s return and Sandler’s surprise showcase served to bridge the legacy of SNL’s past with its current standing, leaving audiences engaged and entertained.
Fans eagerly await the next episode, curious about what comedic finesse future hosts might bring to the SNL stage. Will Chris Rock's next hosting feature the same unpredictable spark, or will next week usher forth new talents ready to stamp their names on comedy's ever-evolving canvas?
