Martin Short was inducted this weekend as the newest member of the exclusive 'Saturday Night Live' Five-Timers Club during the final episode of 2024, which was replete with humor and surprise. The illustrious gathering featured notable figures from the world of comedy, including Tom Hanks, Tina Fey, Scarlett Johansson, and many others, joining together to celebrate the moment.
The festive evening kicked off with Short’s lively monologue. He humorously likened his relationship with SNL creator Lorne Michaels to the dynamic between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, instantly setting the comedic tone for the night. The following 'Cold Open' segment saw Tom Hanks, adorned in his Five-Timers jacket, humorously recalling the origins of the club he created back in December 1990, which he referred to as “an ingeniously lazy way to avoid writing a monologue.” Hanks set the stage for Short's induction, referring to it as one of the industry’s most prestigious accolades.
During the opening sketch, the camaraderie was palpable as comedy legends gathered to roast and honor Short. Paul Rudd jokingly asked Short what he preferred to be called, to which Short cheekily replied, “Well, my friends all call me Marty, so you can call me Mr. Martin Short.” This led to waves of laughter, as members took turns sharing their faux confessions. Rudd sheepishly admitted, “Ant-Man's powers aren't good,” and Fey playfully confessed, “It's me that's flying those drones, all of them.”
The humorous confessions continued to flow, with Hanks claiming, “I never had Covid,” only for Johansson to humorously counter, “I have Covid right now!” Baldwin chimed in with his admission, “I have way too many children,” during the skit, illustrating the light-hearted honesty shared within this exclusive group.
Short’s history with the cast was lightheartedly revisited, particularly during Kristen Wiig's warning about their past 'hot yoga' sessions. The comedic crescendo was marked by Melissa McCarthy crashing through a wall, immediately followed by John Mulaney stepping through the opening to greet Short, creating comical chaos and surprise.
Jimmy Fallon, another beloved comedian, rounded out the evening by presenting Short with his official Five-Timers Club jacket—an unexpected size, as he jokingly noted it was for “a women's small.” This humorous ending perfectly captured the spirit of the night as all the members proudly proclaimed, “Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!”
The finale skit wasn’t just surface-level humor; it also showcased genuine affection and respect among the comedy veterans. Short himself remarked, “From the bottom of my heart, I just want to say I love most of you so much,” highlighting the deep bonds formed through years of shared experiences and laughter. The night also featured musical guest Hozier, providing the perfect soundtrack to close out the iconic show’s 50th season.
