Jon Hamm returned to host Saturday Night Live for the fourth time on April 12, 2025, bringing with him a mix of charm and humor that delighted audiences. This episode marked a significant moment not just for Hamm, but also for the show, as it featured musical guest Lizzo and a surprise cameo from Kieran Culkin, fresh off his Oscar win for Best Supporting Actor in A Real Pain.
During his opening monologue, Hamm took a light-hearted jab at Culkin's acclaimed series, Succession, declaring, "Mad Men was better than Succession." This playful rivalry set the tone for the evening, highlighting Hamm's confidence as he recalled his extensive history with the show, having made 14 cameo appearances prior to this hosting gig. "A cameo can really elevate a sketch, taking it from a medium sketch to a marginally better than a medium sketch," Hamm remarked, emphasizing the importance of guest appearances.
Culkin's unexpected entrance was met with cheers from the audience, as he greeted Hamm with a friendly, "Hey, Jon, I’m just making a cameo." Their banter continued with Hamm jokingly demanding Culkin's Oscar as a way to make up for interrupting his monologue. Culkin, visibly taken aback, responded, "Well, don’t you have enough, man? I’ve seen those photos of you in your gray sweatpants." The playful exchange ended with Hamm pushing Culkin off stage while saying, "I love you, bye," showcasing the camaraderie between the two actors.
The cold open of the night took a satirical look at President Donald Trump's recent tariff plans, intertwining humor with a religious theme. Mikey Day portrayed Jesus, delivering a monologue about cleansing the temple, which was humorously interrupted by James Austin Johnson's Trump, who compared himself to the Son of God. Johnson's Trump remarked, "It’s me, your favorite President Donald ‘Jesus’ Trump, comparing myself to the Son of God once again, you know, many people are even calling me the Messiah for the mess I made out of the economy." The sketch cleverly juxtaposed Trump's economic policies with biblical references, eliciting laughter from the audience.
As the night progressed, Hamm seamlessly integrated into various sketches, showcasing his comedic range. One standout sketch, titled "Guess! The Correct! Answer!", featured Hamm as a contestant who feared his confessions would go viral. His character's earnestness led to a series of hilariously self-deprecating admissions, including a humorous exchange about "micro-aggressions" that had the audience in stitches.
Another memorable sketch involved Hamm and Bowen Yang playing gay dads in a quirky narrative about a missing baby. The sketch allowed for a humorous exploration of societal norms and expectations, as the couple's interactions with their friends led to amusing misunderstandings. Hamm's ability to navigate the absurdity of the situation while maintaining a straight face added to the comedic effect.
Weekend Update, a staple of SNL, featured Colin Jost and Michael Che delivering sharp political commentary. Jost took aim at Trump's tariffs, quipping, "Now 90 days may not seem like a long time, but remember, Trump has only been president for 82 days and it already feels like a goddamn decade." Che added his own twist, joking about the new LeBron James Barbie doll, which prompted groans from the audience.
In a standout segment, comedian Emil Wakim performed a sit-down stand-up routine, discussing the complexities of American privilege with humor and insight. His delivery resonated with the audience, blending personal anecdotes with broader social commentary. Sarah Sherman also took the opportunity to poke fun at Jost, accusing him of various humorous misdeeds, further enlivening the Update segment.
Johnson's Trump made a return during a sketch inspired by the hit series The White Lotus. In this sketch, he portrayed a character reminiscent of Jason Isaacs' role, with Chloe Fineman as Melanie Trump and Mikey Day as Donald Trump Jr. The comedic portrayal of the Trump family dealing with financial woes provided a humorous critique of the political landscape, as the characters navigated their absurd reality.
As the episode drew to a close, Hamm participated in a 10-to-one sketch where he casually dropped the shocking line, "My mom killed my dad naked on TV." The understated delivery of such an outrageous statement was a testament to Hamm's comedic timing, eliciting laughter from both the audience and his fellow cast members.
Throughout the night, the ensemble cast showcased their comedic talents, with each actor contributing to the overall success of the episode. The writers seemed emboldened to explore weirder and smarter humor, allowing for a refreshing take on the traditional SNL format.
Overall, Jon Hamm's fourth hosting stint on Saturday Night Live was a resounding success, characterized by sharp wit, engaging sketches, and a delightful interplay between the cast. The episode not only highlighted Hamm's comedic prowess but also served as a reminder of the show's enduring ability to reflect and satirize contemporary issues with humor.
