Martin Short's Triumphant Return to Saturday Night Live

Over a long career, and especially during his recent resurgence on “Only Murders in the Building,” Martin Short has honed a unique comedic style: delivering mean and petty jokes in a hilariously endearing way. It's a style few can pull off, and perhaps only Don Rickles matched his longevity in this approach. This knack for perfectly timed, cutting remarks made him a perfect fit for his fifth time guest-hosting “Saturday Night Live.”

A Star-Studded Five-Timers Club Induction

The episode began with a spectacular cold open featuring a massive assembly of past “SNL” hosts who’ve graced the stage five or more times – the Five-Timers Club. Tom Hanks, Paul Rudd, Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Emma Stone, Scarlett Johansson, Kristen Wiig, John Mulaney, and even Jimmy Fallon all made appearances. Each member delivered a joke, with some of the best moments being the confessions. “Ant-Man’s powers aren’t good,” Rudd admitted. “It’s me that’s flying those drones. All of them,” Fey revealed. “I never had Covid,” Hanks shared. Short's reaction to receiving his Five Timers’ jacket, a women’s small, was a masterclass in physical comedy. The sheer star power in this opening segment alone made it a highlight of the night for many viewers.

Short's Monologue: A Medley of Humor and Holiday Cheer

Short's monologue was a whirlwind of one-liners, witty observations, and a surprise musical performance. He joked about his upcoming 10 elf sketches, his Uber driver being Matt Gaetz, and his close friendship with Lorne Michaels, comparing their relationship to “Trump and Elon Musk, without the sexual tension.” When cast member Sarah Sherman expressed holiday stress, Short launched into a hilarious song that took him on a journey through the studio, where he encountered various cast members and even planted a kiss on Jimmy Fallon. This high-energy performance was a fitting tribute to Short’s unique comedic talent and a refreshing change from traditional monologues.

Sketches: From Airport Chaos to Mall Parking Wars

The episode's sketches were diverse and largely successful. One memorable sketch revisited the Thanksgiving parade scene from last year’s show, featuring TSA agents, and this time with a Christmas twist. The sketch included Paul Rudd and several other big names such as Melissa McCarthy who made a memorable appearance. Short appeared as an aggressive Delta lounge employee and a demanding director of the “Charlie Brown Christmas” pageant. A highlight of the sketches was the mall parking lot scene where Short faced off against Mikey Day and Chloe Fineman. This sketch took an unexpected turn with McCarthy's hilarious antics, solidifying her presence as a scene-stealer. This was not just physically funny but also cleverly written with the right amount of absurdity to garner laughs.

Weekend Update: A Roast with Live Reactions

“Weekend Update” featured Bowen Yang's outstanding portrayal of a New Jersey drone and the annual joke swap between Michael Che and Colin Jost. The joke swap—a yearly tradition in which the two comedians deliver offensive jokes written by the other—was particularly noteworthy this year, given Scarlett Johansson's live reaction to the jokes directed at her by her husband, Colin Jost. The awkwardness and genuine surprise on Johansson's face amplified the comedic effect of the segment, making it one of the most talked-about segments of the night. The segment's irreverence and Johansson's spontaneous reaction created a moment of unadulterated hilarity.

A Night of Festive Fun and Comedic Brilliance: Wrapping Up

Martin Short's fifth time hosting “Saturday Night Live” was a resounding success. From the star-studded cold open to the memorable monologue and sketches, the show was full of laughter and entertainment. While some sketches were not up to par, the star power and Short's comedic timing ensured a memorable night. Short's presence alone elevated the already strong sketches, and the episode as a whole provided a joyous and comedic end to the year. The episode's success highlights Short's enduring appeal and the show's continued ability to produce memorable moments. Short’s performance cemented his status as a comedic legend, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating his next appearance. It was a night filled with laughter, surprises, and some truly unforgettable moments that made for a perfect Christmas Eve entertainment.