On December 21, 2023, Martin Short once again took the reins as host of "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), marking his fifth time stepping onto the iconic stage of the late-night sketch show. Known for his rich accolades, including Emmy and Tony Awards, Short brought some holiday cheer to this special episode, with singer-songwriter Hozier making his debut as the musical guest.
The festive episode kicked off with enthusiasm as Short was welcomed back, fittingly inducted by some SNL royalty during the cold open, known as the Five-Timers Club, which celebrates those who have hosted the show five times or more. With the holiday season hanging over the audience like twinkling lights, Short made sure to deliver plenty of humor to stave off the stresses many experience during this time of year. His opening monologue, punctuated by wit and whimsy, took the form of a satirical Yuletide carol, spotlighting medical prescriptions as the unconventional holiday cheer.
“So you need a new prescription / just to get through Christmas / take a little edge off / make sense of your existence,” Short crooned, guiding viewers through both comedic and unabashed commentary about holiday pressures. The lively number uniquely blended humor with honest reflection, as he dedicated parts of the song to fellow cast members including Sarah Sherman, Kenan Thompson, Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim, and Bowen Yang. The lyrics even took dark, humorous twists as Short jokingly confessed to having nightmares where he was eating actor Armie Hammer.
Short’s extravaganza saw him interacting with other familiar faces backstage, from Emma Stone to Kristen Wiig, all the way to making wild claims of attraction to executive producer Lorne Michaels. “God I’m attracted to you,” he exclaimed, before passionately kissing fellow guest host Jimmy Fallon, who lamented afterward, “You never kiss me likethat anymore.” Moments like these not only added to the mirth of the evening but showcased the unmistakable chemistry shared among SNL cast and crew.
Undoubtedly, the boisterous finale was nothing short of spectacular. Accompanied by thumping drums and visual flair reminiscent of the Rockettes, Short drove home the comedic aspects with lines like “Yes, we need tranquilization / pharmaceutical correction / and drug-induced amnesia / …” painting the absurdity of seeking solace through medications as the year waned. Throughout the performance, the infectious energy permeated the studio, leaving everyone with smiles and laughter.
Short's opening segments were punctuated with clever quips aimed at notable figures, with humorous digs at tech mogul Elon Musk and the former president, Donald Trump. Comparing his dynamic with Musk to his relationship with Michaels, Short quipped, “It’s like my relationship with (Elon Musk) is like mine with Lorne, but without the sexual tension.” It was clear he used this platform to address the light-hearted realities of current events, distinctly keeping the show relevant through humor.
Of course, amid all the laughter and entertainment, some SNL traditions continued to shine through, with segments of musical performances scheduled throughout the episode. Hozier captivated the audience with his melodic tunes, ensuring viewers experienced not just comedy but also beautiful music, rounding out the festive atmosphere perfectly.
Although the episode was comedic at its core, it embodied the essence of the holidays—a time of togetherness, laughter, and joy amid the chaos of seasonal pressure. Bringing both comedic brilliance and heartfelt sentiment, Martin Short and Hozier reminded viewers why SNL remains one of the most cherished platforms for both comedy and music, bridging generations of fans.
This casual episode was yet another successful addition to the legendary SNL catalog, reinforcing the show's mission to provide light and humor even when the world seems fraught with distress. Without question, Martin Short's vibrant personality and comedic prowess are likely to linger long after the holiday episode fades from the screens, adding yet another cherished memory to the SNL hall of fame.
Fans of SNL are left eagerly anticipating future hosts, but for now, they can bask in the glow of this Christmas special, celebrating the laughter it brought to all during the holiday season. This episode is surely going to be one for the books, with all the quirks, surprises, and laughter SNL fans have come to expect and love.
