Quick Read
- Alexander Skarsgård hosted Saturday Night Live‘s 1,000th regular episode on January 31, 2026.
- His performance was noted for its dramatic flair but mixed comedic impact.
- Acclaimed actor Stellan Skarsgård, Alexander’s father, made two surprise cameo appearances.
- The episode’s Cold Open, featuring Pete Davidson as Tom Homan, drew significant criticism for its political framing.
- The historic 1,000th episode milestone was subtly acknowledged with a single New Year’s popper.
NEW YORK (Azat TV) – Actor Alexander Skarsgård marked a significant milestone for live television on January 31, 2026, by hosting the 1,000th regular episode of NBC’s iconic sketch comedy show, Saturday Night Live. The evening saw the dramatic actor navigate a mix of sketches, showcase a self-parodying monologue, and notably feature surprise appearances from his acclaimed father, Stellan Skarsgård, adding a unique family dynamic to the historic broadcast.
Skarsgård, known for his roles in dramatic productions such as Infinity Pool and Murderbot, made his hosting debut with an approach described by critics as more earnest than overtly comedic. While not universally praised for his ease in comedy, his performance was deemed far from a ‘total stiff.’ His most effective segment was widely considered to be his monologue, where he adopted an exaggerated show business persona.
Skarsgård’s Hosting Debut and Monologue
Sporting a polished, Don Draper-esque suit, Alexander Skarsgård’s monologue saw him deliver an arrogant, glad-handing tribute to the often-overlooked Saturday Night Live band. With a self-parodying swagger, he declared, “Call me Willy Wonka, because tonight I’m gonna let the little people cook.” He engaged in a humorous, fake sax solo while sipping water, displaying a confident stage presence that hinted at his dramatic background. Despite some initial unevenness in his comedic timing throughout the night, his willingness to fully commit physically to sketches was evident, even if the comedic timing didn’t always align seamlessly.
Beyond the monologue, Skarsgård participated in various sketches, including a ‘Tarzan’ segment that alluded to his 2016 film role, and a ‘Viking Raid’ pre-tape where he played a sulking warrior. One particularly physical sketch, ‘Play Date,’ saw the towering actor don a babydoll dress, pigtails, and braces, bellowing and comically hurling a dummy out a window, showcasing his dedication to character.
Family Affairs: Stellan Skarsgård’s Cameos
A significant highlight of the 1,000th episode was the unexpected involvement of Alexander’s father, veteran actor Stellan Skarsgård. Stellan made two notable cameo appearances, adding a layer of familial charm and humor to the broadcast. In the ‘Scandinavian Movie 2’ sketch, he stepped in for what was expected to be James Austin Johnson’s impression of him, humorously soaking fully clothed in a bathtub. Later, in the ‘Immigrant Dad Talk Show,’ Stellan once again stole the scene from his eldest son, delivering an imperious sneer in a sketch that playfully touched upon family dynamics and cultural stereotypes.
These appearances were a subtle nod to the Skarsgård family’s extensive acting legacy, with critics noting Stellan’s undeniable charisma and success, often jokingly referred to as having ‘Marvel money’ due to his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Political Satire and Standout Sketches
The episode featured a mix of critically acclaimed and contentious sketches. The ‘Mom Confession’ sketch, starring cast member Ashley Padilla, garnered significant praise for its sharp observational satire and timely political commentary. Padilla’s portrayal of a suburban mother hesitantly grappling with changing political views, particularly regarding former President Donald Trump, was lauded for its balance of message and execution. Alexander Skarsgård had a minor role in this sketch as the family’s ‘detached dad.’
Conversely, the Cold Open, which featured former cast member Pete Davidson returning to portray White House Border Czar Tom Homan, drew considerable criticism. Reviewers described it as a ‘tonal and conceptual disaster,’ arguing that it approached deeply abnormal political events with an ‘reassuring normalcy’ that undermined the gravity of the issues, particularly concerning immigration policies and alleged violence in Minnesota. The sketch was accused of soft-pedaling serious concerns, leading to a ‘pathetic’ outcome that failed to deliver effective satire.
Meanwhile, the ‘Weekend Update’ segment, anchored by Colin Jost and Michael Che, delivered its usual blend of topical zingers, touching on subjects from accused health insurance CEO assassin Luigi Mangione to Governor Tim Walz’s controversial comparison of ICE raids. Sarah Sherman also contributed to ‘Weekend Update,’ engaging in a segment where she stripped to a spangled top while discussing frigid New York weather.
A Historic Milestone for SNL
The January 31, 2026, broadcast marked the 1,000th regular episode of Saturday Night Live, a rare achievement in television history. While the show did not stage an elaborate celebration for the milestone, host Alexander Skarsgård subtly acknowledged it during his monologue by fumbling for and setting off a lone New Year’s popper. The episode also included a poignant ‘RIP tribute card’ for Catherine O’Hara, an SCTV star who had famously almost joined SNL in 1981 but withdrew due to the tumultuous environment during Michael O’Donoghue’s brief tenure as head writer.
The overall reception of the episode was mixed, with one critic famously assigning it a grade of ‘A thousand B-Minuses,’ reflecting an evening that delivered both memorable moments and missed opportunities.
The critical reception of the episode, particularly the political Cold Open, underscores the persistent challenge Saturday Night Live faces in balancing its comedic mission with the gravity of contemporary political events, even as it celebrates its enduring legacy.