Celebrated comedian Martin Short brought the festive spirit to Saturday Night Live this weekend, marking his fifth time hosting the iconic late-night show. The acclaimed star of Only Murders in the Building, Short delighted audiences with his holiday-themed monologue, filled with humor and musical flair.
Short kicked off the festivities on December 21, 2024, with jokes poking fun at everything from Tesla's Cybertrucks to his own co-star Steve Martin's absence. "He would have been here tonight, but he had a conflict with me not wanting him to be here," Short quipped, before adding, "And besides, it's rehearsal week for The Masked Singer." His energetic performance quickly transitioned to the spirit of the season as he addressed the SNL cast members, who implored him to help ease their holiday anxieties.
Unleashing his vocal chops, Short launched straight away—a parody of the classic tune "We Need a Little Christmas," urging audiences to "need a new prescription" to get through the holiday season. His blend of comedy and song was met with uproarious laughter, establishing the festive tone for the night.
But the revelry didn’t end there. Short had much more planned for the SNL ensemble, including light-hearted jabs directed at Lorne Michaels: "You smell wonderful, I didn't know Jack Daniels made cologne," he remarked during the show. These moments encapsulated the blend of humor and heart as Short connected with both cast and audience.
Meanwhile, fans were treated to the annual tradition of inducting new members to the SNL Five-Timers Club—a prestigious circle reserved for those who have hosted the show five times or more. The honor came during the cold open, hosted by none other than Tom Hanks, who humorously reflected on initiating the club back in December 1990. "I created the SNL Five-Timers Club as an ingeniously lazy way to avoid writing a monologue," he declared, instantly reminding viewers of the show's long-standing traditions.
Hanks was soon joined by fellow club member Paul Rudd, who enthusiastically welcomed Short. Shortly after, Tina Fey made her entrance, jokingly remarking on Short’s unique Hollywood presence: "You’re one of the rarest things in Hollywood: a writer who’s attractive enough to be on camera."
Alec Baldwin, who famously holds the record for hosting SNL 17 times, made sure to sprinkle his own brand of humor throughout the ceremonies, explaining, "They call me when they need someone to play a Republican, apparently because of my face, my voice, and my strong daddy vibes." The lighthearted banter established a warm atmosphere brimming with nostalgia and camaraderie.
Things took another comedic twist when Scarlett Johansson entered the scene, quipping about Hanks' Secret Santa gift expectation: "It’s not another book about World War II, is it, Tom?" The banter continued with Kristen Wiig’s surprising arrival, provoking laughter as she recalled their time together at hot yoga, humorously hinting at the antics they had gotten up to. "I hope you’re not expecting a repeat of what happened last year when we saw each other," Wiig teased, leaving the audience giggling.
The playful spirit continued as Emma Stone and Melissa McCarthy joined the fray. The latter's mishap, falling through the wall during their sketches, showed the unpredictable nature of live television, adding to the vibrant energy of the evening. John Mulaney's arrival brought yet another wave of laughter, as Short reminisced about their former sitcom together, which had been quickly canceled but showed the endurance of their comedic partnership.
When the moment arrived to present Short with the coveted Five-Timers Club jacket, the ceremony reached its peak conviviality. Jimmy Fallon, dubbed the "jacket boy," humorously noted, "I can only stay for a little bit, and then I have to go and host another game show and laugh at my own jokes," before presenting the jacket. The comedic element extended as he quipped it was available only in women’s small, to which the jovial Short struggled to fit his arms. Instilling the room with laughter, he reflected, "I just want to say, I love most of you so much." This heartfelt comment encapsulated the warmth of the SNL family and highlighted how much Short cherished this moment with the legends of the show.
Short's fifth hosting gig reaffirmed his status as one of the beloved figures of Saturday Night Live, and the evening served as both celebration and induction, blending musical elegance with sheer comedic brilliance. With legacy acts making their appearances and delightful moments of nostalgia, audiences will surely be eager to see what Short does next. Saturday Night Live continues to deliver fresh, engaging content filled with laughter and joy, making each episode feel like a spectacular celebration.
