Martin Short, iconic comedian and star of "Only Murders in the Building," was ceremoniously inducted to the prestigious "Five-Timers Club" during this weekend's episode of "Saturday Night Live". A celebrated milestone, this club honors those who have hosted the skit show five times or more, and it was filled with familiar faces this past Saturday night.
The cold open featured major Hollywood stars like Tom Hanks, Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, and Kristen Wiig, all of whom came together to welcome Short to this exclusive group. Hanks, adorned with the traditional "Five-Timers Club" jacket, humorously claimed he coined the phrase during his 1990 SNL monologue saying, "An ingeniously lazy way to avoid writing a monologue." His light-heartedness set the tone for what was to be a night filled with insider jokes and celebration.
Paul Rudd, another notable star, jumped in after Hanks, playfully questioning Hanks’s obscure introduction. "Who the hell are you talking to?" he asked, prompting Hanks to self-deprecate about his tendency to get lost in his own conversations. This banter signaled the comedic chemistry and spontaneity typical of the show.
Hanks then introduced Short as the guest of honor. The stage quickly became packed with even more "Five-Timers Club" members, including legends like Melissa McCarthy, Emma Stone, John Mulaney, Jimmy Fallon, and, of course, the exuberant Scarlett Johansson. The gathering became quite the spectacle, with each star adding their unique flair.
The humor reached high points when Wiig jokingly revealed intimate facets of her connection with Short, stating, "We took a hot yoga class together where we made love and got kicked out, and then we both voted for Trump." This humorous outrageousness not only lightened the mood but also provided amusing, albeit fictional, insight about their escapades.
The comradeship among the members led the group to share some hilariously candid confessions. Johansson started off, admitting, "I’ll go — I have Covid right now," which had the studio audience chuckling. Baldwin, no stranger to self-deprecative humor, added, "I have way too many children," humorously alluding to his large family, showcasing the chaotic yet joyful spirit of the night.
For Short, reaching the "Five-Timers" milestone took time. His hosting history dates back to 1986, when he originally shared the stage with Steve Martin and Chevy Chase. Subsequent hosting gigs occurred in 1996, 2012, and another collaboration with Martin just last year. Interestingly, the absence of Chase during Short's latest induction raised eyebrows but was overshadowed by the raucous spirit of the night.
This celebratory sketch continued to cement Short's legacy with SNL, recognizing his contributions over the years through laughter and camaraderie. The episode served as not just another hosting gig but as recognition of Martin’s impact on the comedy world, celebrated by friends and fellow comedians alike.
After leading viewers through the whimsical antics of the cold open, SNL showcased its signature blend of humor and heartfelt moments. The night underscored the importance of community and the joyous occasions of life, all centered around the camaraderie of humor. With individuals from vastly different backgrounds, the shared moments from this gathering captured the embarrassment of fame and the delight of friendships garnered over the years.
With Short’s acceptance speech filled with gratitude and humor, the episode reminded viewers about the power of laughter, ART, and its ability to connect. The unique institution of the "Five-Timers Club" continues, with each induction adding to its lore and celebrating the humor behind those who reach such heights.
