"This is basically SNL Avengers!"
On Dec. 21, host Martin Short joined the sketch comedy show's unnecessary lore of the Five-Timer's Club.
Martin was a member of Season 10 of SNL in 1984–85.
He hosted a Season 12 episode with Chevy Chase and Steven Martin in 1986.
Martin hosted a Season 22 episode in 1996.
He hosted a Season 38 episode in 2012.
He hosted with Steve again for a Season 48 episode in 2022.
And last night Martin finally joined the five-timer's club, hosting an episode for Season 50 in 2024 with Hozier as the musical guest.
Traditionally, every time a celebrity host reaches their fifth appearance, a bunch of fellow five-timers (or sometimes hosts who feel like they hosted five times) make a cameo during the cold open. Here's who showed up for Martin:
Tom Hanks, a 10-time host, started the opening sketch being wholesome in a leather chair.
Paul Rudd, who hosted five times, joined Tom in his timeless cuddliness.
After they welcomed Martin in, Tina Fey, who hosted six times, popped in with a glass of scotch and a few wisecracks.
Then Tina's 30 Rock costar and 17-time SNL host Alec Baldwin slid in with his subtle braggadocious demeanor.
Scarlett Johansson, who hosted six times, walked into the room with her husband, Colin Jost, before hilariously slamming the door in his face.
Kristen Wiig, a five-time host, who is, in my opinion, one of the greatest physical comedy actors in the world, moseyed into the room, brushing her teeth and stealing the scene.
Melissa McCarthy and Emma Stone, who hosted five times, perfectly played to their comedic strengths.
Thanks to Melissa crashing through a wall, six-time host John Mulaney could crawl out like Bruno in the third act of Disney's Encanto.
Finally, Jimmy Fallon appeared as the "jacket boy" to award Martin his five-timer's smoking jacket and finished the opening segment with a bang.
The celebrity roster was stacked, and the fans had much to say about it:
One fan said, "This is basically SNL Avengers."
"My favorite subtle joke was Scarlett slamming the door on Colin then going back to make sure it was closed so he wouldn't be inside The 5 Timers Club," another fan wrote.
This person said, "Everything about this was fabulous! Scarlett slamming the door on Colin was so good as was Melissa McCarthy falling through the wall!"
"Best show so far of the season. I love Martin Short!" Another fan said.
Best show so far of the season. I love Martin Short!
— Lucy Gray 🌻🇺🇦 #GLOWedu (@elemenous) December 22, 2024And finally, this fan wrote, "The Five-Timers sketch was hilarious! Legends doing what they do best!"
The Five-Timers sketch was hilarious! 😂 Legends doing what they do best! 🌟
— mohd aazam (@mohdazam00012) December 22, 2024