Martin Short officially joined the ranks of comedy legends with his induction to the coveted Five-Timers Club during this week's Christmas episode of Saturday Night Live, delighting fans and long-time viewers alike. With season 50 of SNL serving as the backdrop, the episode was laden with nostalgia, featuring appearances from fellow alumni and heavyweights of comedy.
The night kicked off with a star-studded cold open dedicated to the Five-Timers Club. This iconic gathering celebrates those who have hosted the show five times or more, and it didn’t disappoint, showcasing luminaries such as Tom Hanks, Tina Fey, Melissa McCarthy, and others. Hanks humorously reminded everyone of his inaugural membership back in 1990, setting the tone for the light-hearted festivities. The sketch, which ran for nine minutes, had fans reliving beloved moments from the show’s history.
Martin Short, now officially part of this elite club, is revered not only for his past roles on SNL but for his larger-than-life persona and the impactful contributions he has made to the world of sketch comedy. "You're great, you're great," echoed throughout the opening sketch, encapsulating the camaraderie and respect shared among comedy giants.
Short’s monologue was another highlight of the episode, reflecting his magnificent stage presence and infectious energy. He made light-hearted jokes about the holidays and his fellow comedians. "Hosting SNL is a lot like sex: It’s great with a partner but, sometimes, it’s fun to just knock one out by yourself," he quipped, bringing the audience to laughter. His charisma and flair for humor shone throughout these moments, reminding viewers why he remains such a cherished figure.
Throughout the night, the festive spirit was palpable, thanks, in part, to the musical performances. Notably, Hozier paid tribute to the late Shane MacGowan by covering the Pogues' classic, "Fairytale of New York," as snow fell onstage—a true highlight to ring in the holiday season.
The overall structure of the episode felt more like a variety show, giving room for the guest stars to shine alongside Short. Notably, there were clever sketches like the "Christmas Airport Parade," with Short adorably introducing various characters traveling for the holidays, from frantic flyers to holiday-themed chaos. This format cleverly allowed Short to play within the ensemble without overshadowing the current cast.
Another memorable moment included the Weekend Update segment, where Colin Jost and Michael Che presented their classic annual joke swap. This year, their comedic interplay drew guffaws from the live audience, and Jost was seen struggling amusingly with some of the controversial jokes, creating laughter and making their banter feel fresh and relevant.
While some sketches leaned heavily on nostalgia, others, such as the recurring "Parking Lot Altercation," fell slightly short, somewhat predictable but fitting for Short’s comic style. Yet, the absence of any overt holiday sentiment until late was notable and didn’t detract from the overall joy of the performance.
This special edition of SNL proved to be one of the season's best, perhaps owed to Short’s magnetic appeal and the nostalgic gathering of former cast members. The blend of new and old talent created waves of laughter, cheers, and classic moments which epitomized the spirit of Saturday Night Live.
Reflecting on the night, Short's induction to the Five-Timers Club bespeaks his legacy and monumental impact on comedy. Having graced the SNL stage, whether through iconic characters or memorable sketches, his presence continues to resonate, and this induction reaffirms his status as one of the biggest stars this platform has ever known.
With 2025 on the horizon, Saturday Night Live is off for the holidays, likely leaving fans excited for what the next year will bring—and one can only hope for more unforgettable moments with Martin Short.
