On December 21, 2024, Martin Short returned to host Saturday Night Live, marking his long-awaited induction to the show's illustrious Five-Timers Club. This special episode, brimming with star power, highlighted the comedic legacy of the long-running sketch series as it gears up for its 50th anniversary celebration next February.
Short's hosting gig was marked by memorable sketches and appearances from numerous SNL regulars and alumni, stretching the boundaries of what fans can expect from the iconic show. According to UPI, the episode felt like SNL was flexing its muscles, showcasing its star-studded roster as the evening kicked off with Tom Hanks seated regally to present Short with his coveted Five-Timers jacket.
The cold open set the tone, introducing the Five-Timers Club concept, which celebrates those who have hosted the show five times. The only club member missing from the festivities was Steve Martin, who recently teamed up with Short during their previous stint on SNL. The cold open was packed with exclamations and applause, primarily for Short but also for other members who participated, including Paul Rudd, Tina Fey, and Scarlett Johansson.
"What I surprise, I've known about all week!" Short joked as he accepted the honor, humorously engaging with Rudd to exchange the club's secret handshake. Fey, during this segment, cheekily grilled Short to name three current cast members; to which he replied, "No idea," illustrating his experience as more nostalgic than connected to the new generation of SNL talent.
Following the cold open, the episode featured sketches celebrating the holiday spirit, satires on Christmas chaos, and vibrant performances. One highlight was the sketch titled "Parking Lot Altercation," where Short engaged with Mikey Day over the ownership of a parking spot during the hectic Christmas season. The sketch soon escalated from comical misunderstandings to farcical threats led by Melissa McCarthy, who played Short's aggressive wife.
Melissa McCarthy’s entrance transformed the sketch, leading to riotous laughter from the audience as she admonished Day and his daughter with over-the-top antics. The scene culminated with McCarthy threatening the pair, culminating her outrageous performance with signature comedic flair, which made the segment one for the holiday books.
Another resident fan-favorite, the "Christmas Airport Parade" sketch, didn't fail to amuse, prominently featuring Bowen Yang and Ego Nwodim as TSA agents providing lively commentary on uproarious characters roaming through the airport. The segment saw Short adopting the role of a strict Delta Lounge representative, where he kept referencing his unrealistic expectations met with humorous sensitivity from the patently chaotic environment around him.
Short's performance was geared toward showcasing his unique brand of humor—wildly dynamic yet subtly poignant—where his impeccable comedic timing kept the audience engaged. While his presence was comparatively reined back at some points due to numerous cameos, his mastery of situational comedy did shine through.
Seasoned SNL alumni boosted every segment's impact, but several skits benefitted significantly from Short's contributions. The "Weekend Update" segment, delightfully amped up with star reactions, saw hosts Michael Che and Colin Jost reading self-deprecational jokes crafted by each other; this year’s ritual of humiliation was received with broader laughs thanks to glimpses of Johansson backstage as comedic support for her husband.
Short's standalone jokes consistently reflected the blend of quirky humor and satire, contributing reliably to the episode. The energy of the night was palpable as star-studded cast made guest appearances, scaling new heights both emotionally and comedically, ensuring laughter throughout and squeezing the fun out of otherwise simple premises.
Despite some sentiments indicating the episode occasionally felt like it relied too heavily on the famed cameos, SNL always knows how to tie nostalgia effectively with new material. The multitude of past members didn’t overshadow Short entirely; instead, they celebrated his legacy, positioning the episode as one filled with shared laughter and camaraderie.
Martin Short's return was not just significant for his recognition; it is also reflective of SNL's rich history, which spans across generations of talent, and it proves the enduring appeal of its format. Episodes like this remind viewers why SNL has earned its place as quintessential late-night television.
