Martin Short has officially been inducted as the newest member of "Saturday Night Live's" prestigious Five-Timers Club, celebrated this past weekend during the show's holiday-themed episode. The lively ceremony, which took place on December 21, 2024, featured some of the biggest names from the world of comedy, including Tom Hanks, Tina Fey, Scarlett Johansson, and Paul Rudd.
Tom Hanks, who initially established the Five-Timers Club back in 1990, kicked off the proceedings with tales about the exclusive group. Seated comfortably, Hanks humorously noted, "I created the SNL Five-Timers Club—an ingeniously lazy way to avoid writing a monologue," referencing the light-hearted, whimsical nature of the gatherings.
During the cold open, several A-list celebrities participated, creating unforgettable comedic moments packed with laughter and nostalgia. Part of the fun included members sharing ridicule-worthy confessions, setting the tone for the induction's jovial celebration. For example, Rudd’s quip, "Ant-Man's powers aren't good," brought hearty laughs, as did Hanks' humorous proclamation, "I never had COVID," which prompted Johansson to jokingly counter, "I have COVID, right now!"
Scarlett Johansson, adding to the hilarity, made a memorable entrance by dramatically slamming the door on her husband, Colin Jost, as he attempted to follow her. Alec Baldwin, also present, provided casual, whimsical confessions such as, "I had way too many children,” encompassing the fun, honest atmosphere of the gathering.
Martin Short, leaning on his extensive experience with SNL—having first hosted it back in 1986—was finally welcomed to the Five-Timers Club amid cheers and laughter from both the audience and fellow members. After the fun and games, Jimmy Fallon emerged wearing the coveted Five-Timers jacket destined for Short, humorously remarking it was his size: "a women’s small."
At the moment of receiving the jacket, Short struggled to put it on, causing more uproarious laughter as the celebration continued. With joy on his face, he expressed, "From the bottom of my heart, I just want to say I love most of you so much."
One of the standout moments from the evening was the Five-Timers Club secret handshake, which Short and Rudd performed hilariously as they paid homage to previous inductees. The crowd chuckled as the pair engaged the thumb-tapping ritual established by Elliott Gould years ago, enhancing the event's celebratory spirit.
The night was filled with notable cameos from various SNL veterans, who frequently poked fun at one another's past roles and current shows. Kristen Wiig hilariously took aim at her experiences, claiming, "I hooked up with both Short and Emma Stone, but I’m not THAT girl anymore!” adding fuel to the sky-high hilarity of the night.
Melissa McCarthy, making her first cameo since 2018, brought her trademark physical comedy to the episode, crashing through walls for comic effect and adding to the wild shenanigans of the evening. Her antics reminded the audience of how vibrant and uniquely talented SNL alums can be, electrifying the stage throughout the induction ceremony.
By the end of the episode, as the clubhouse membership was solidified with Short’s formal induction, the mood remained light and celebratory. All participants echoed together, "Live from New York, it’s Saturday night!" solidifying the camaraderie between these treasured entertainers. Fun-filled anecdotes about personal experiences and past hosts echoed through Studio 8H, creating laughter and nostalgia.
The night also featured Hozier performing as the musical guest, making for the perfect finish to the festive episode of SNL, representative of the joy and laughter exchanged on stage as part of celebrating Short’s long-honored legacy within the SNL community. The special evening not only highlighted Short’s significant place within the comedic world but also celebrated the heart of SNL—a stage where friendships flourish, humor springs eternal, and unforgettable moments continue.
