Martin Short brought his comedic talents to Saturday Night Live on December 21, 2023, hosting the Christmas-themed episode with musical guest Hozier. The night was filled with laughs, featuring fan-favorite sketches and fresh takes on classic tales.
One of the standout sketches of the night was titled “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” where Short assumed the role of Drake Tuttle, “local theater legend.” The sketch began with the familiar animated classic playing on screen, alongside the iconic theme song “Linus and Lucy” as the Charlie Brown kids danced happily.
Suddenly, Short burst onto the scene, yelling, “Stop dancing!” leading to confusion among the kids, as one character, played by Chloe Fineman, asked, “Um, who are you?” Short's character confidently introduced himself, stating, “I’m Drake Tuttle, local theater legend. Your principal hired me to direct your pageant.”
This moment set the comedic tone, as Short continued with outrageous claims, like declaring Charlie Brown “dead to me” before assuring the children he may have misstepped with his choice of phrasing. Short’s outrageous take on directing led to laugh-out-loud moments, including his interactions with Mikey Day’s character Pig-Pen, whom he mistakenly referred to as “pig penis.”
Another highlight was when he engaged with Marcello Hernandez's character, showcasing his tolerance and awkward interactions with kids on the spectrum. Kenan Thompson later added to the comedy as Snoopy, humorously answering questions about his gender identity, quipping, “Snoopy look like a b*tch to you?”
The holiday episode also revisited the popular sketch “Parking Lot Altercation,” which originally debuted during Quinta Brunson's hosting back in April 2023. This sketch saw Short going toe-to-toe with Mikey Day, who insisted he had rightful claim over a mall parking spot on Christmas Eve.
What started as light-hearted banter quickly escalated to humorous, dark territories. Day, trying to communicate his claim, gestured assertively, leading to Short mimicking his blinker, evident through his aggressive blinking. Their back-and-forth included increasingly ridiculous claims, with Short accusing Day of being blind and Day referring to himself as handicapped due to his high blood pressure.
Chloe Fineman’s character, Day’s daughter, aided the comedic chaos with inappropriate hand gestures, adding more layers to the already intense standoff. It culminated dramatically as Melissa McCarthy made her grand entrance, playing Short’s wife. She stormed onto the scene, banging on the car window and threatening, “Drive away right now or I will kill you, now. And I’ll make your dumb daughter watch.”
The audience erupted with laughter, especially when McCarthy, with her over-the-top antics, took a sip of iced coffee, only to spit it all over the window before using her chest to wipe it clean, creating absurd moments well worthy of the SNL stage.
Throughout the sketches, both Short and the other performers showcased their comedy chops with physical acting and sharp dialogue, leading to exchanges like Short’s declaration of being “a super Christian,” which only injected more humor as he posed dramatically.
Adding to the fun, the cold open featured Short being inducted to the Five-Timers Club, alongside famous members including Tom Hanks, Paul Rudd, and Tina Fey. The star-studded beginning set expectations high for the entire episode, with each character appropriately playful, humorous, and self-aware.
Hanks, appearing as Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, and Rudd’s various sketches complemented Short’s flair for the comedic. McCarthy’s return after several years proved to be both nostalgic and wildly entertaining, making her presence feel like the cherry on top of the festive evening.
Short's ability to blend classic characters with innovative humor truly stood out throughout the episode. His sketches were sweetly nostalgic yet boldly fresh, ensuring both traditional and new viewers could find laughter within the familiar SNL format. The culmination of beloved classics with new comedic interpretations showcased the enduring charm of Saturday Night Live.
Overall, Martin Short’s holiday episode was filled with memorable sketches, iconic cameos, and abundant laughter, solidifying his legacy as not just another host, but as the embodiment of the holiday spirit on SNL.
