Quick Read
- Glen Powell hosted SNL for the first time, joined by musical guest Olivia Dean.
- Olivia Dean performed ‘Man I Need’ and ‘Let Alone The One You Love’.
- NBC announced Melissa McCarthy will host on December 6, with Dijon as musical guest.
- McCarthy ties Tina Fey for second-most female host appearances.
- Dijon will make his SNL debut following the release of his second album.
Glen Powell Hosts a Night of Surprises on SNL
Saturday Night Live returned to Studio 8H for another lively episode, this time with Glen Powell making his hosting debut. Known for his charismatic roles in Top Gun: Maverick and the new adaptation of The Running Man, Powell’s appearance was met with anticipation from fans and cast members alike. Aristotle Athari, former SNL cast member and star of The French Italian, praised Powell’s comedic timing, noting that his work in Hit Man brought a refreshing energy to the screen.
The night kicked off with Ashley Padilla as White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt in a cold open that poked fun at the week’s quieter news cycle, before handing the spotlight to James Austin Johnson’s recurring Trump impersonation. Padilla’s nuanced performance set the tone for an episode that balanced sharp satire with quirky, character-driven sketches.
Olivia Dean: Tonight’s Musical Guest Delivers Soulful Performances
British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean took the SNL stage for the first time, delivering two standout performances: “Man I Need” and “Let Alone The One You Love.” Dean’s style—a blend of jazz-infused pop and warm vocals—captivated the audience, drawing comparisons to Amy Winehouse for her soulful delivery and intimate presence. Her appearance comes on the heels of her second album, The Art of Loving, which continues to garner critical acclaim.
Dean’s SNL set showcased her ability to connect emotionally through music, a trait that has built her reputation both in the UK and internationally. Her recent performance on the Today Show cemented her status as a rising star, and tonight’s appearance only added to her momentum.
Sketch Highlights: MacGruber Returns, Hair Humor Steals the Show
The episode featured a mix of fresh concepts and nostalgic callbacks. Will Forte reprised his role as MacGruber in a series of sketches tackling the infamous Epstein files—injecting dark humor into an ongoing cultural conversation. Fineman stepped in for Kristen Wiig, joining Powell in a zany sequence that riffed on the cult favorite character’s legacy. The trio’s chemistry kept the sketches sharp, with Forte’s energy reminding longtime fans why MacGruber remains a beloved SNL fixture.
Other memorable moments included the “Bob Army” sketch, which lampooned hair trends in military settings, and “Haircut,” where Ashley Padilla’s comic timing shone as she navigated the aftermath of a disastrous celebrity-inspired hair appointment. John Milhiser’s praise for Padilla’s grounded performances was evident as she delivered lines with both vulnerability and wit.
Musical interludes aside, the night was peppered with standout segments. Ben Marshall and Tommy Brennan’s “I Miss My Ex’s Dad” added a country-music twist to breakup blues, while Marcello Hernandez’s Sebastian Maniscalco impression in “Boys Weekend” brought physical comedy and nostalgia to Powell’s bachelor party setup.
Weekend Update: Sharp Political Satire and Cast Chemistry
“Weekend Update,” helmed by Colin Jost and Michael Che, didn’t shy away from current controversies. Epstein emails dominated the segment, with Jost’s brutal comparison of Trump to “Forrest Gump” for his connections to notorious figures drawing big laughs. Che’s commentary—particularly his pointed jokes about Bill Clinton—elicited strong reactions from the crowd, reinforcing why SNL’s news satire remains relevant and biting.
The segment wrapped up with rapid-fire jokes, skipping the usual parade of eccentric characters and focusing instead on the sharp interplay between Jost and Che. Their ability to navigate sensitive topics with humor is a testament to the enduring appeal of “Weekend Update.”
December Preview: Melissa McCarthy and Dijon Set for SNL’s Return
As the episode drew to a close, NBC announced that SNL will return after a brief Thanksgiving hiatus on December 6. The next show will feature Melissa McCarthy as host—her sixth time leading the program, tying her with Tina Fey for second-most appearances by a female host. McCarthy’s last hosting gig in 2017 earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress, and her recent cameos have kept her firmly in the SNL spotlight.
Joining McCarthy will be musical guest Dijon, who is making his SNL debut. Dijon’s rise began with his 2021 album Absolutely, praised for its intimate, genre-blending sound. His latest release, Baby, dropped in August 2025 and has cemented his reputation for atmospheric live shows and collaborations with pop heavyweights like Justin Bieber and Charli XCX.
With this pairing, SNL continues its tradition of blending established comedic talent with fresh musical acts, promising another memorable broadcast for viewers in December.
SNL Season 51: Cast Updates and Behind the Scenes
The current SNL cast features veterans like Kenan Thompson, Colin Jost, and Bowen Yang alongside rising stars Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline. New featured players Ben Marshall, Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska bring fresh energy to the show’s sketches. The writing team has also expanded, with contributions from Jack Bensinger, Jo Sunday, Maddie Wiener, Rachel Pegram, Claire McFadden, Maxwell Gay, and Tucker Flodman.
Behind the scenes, Lorne Michaels continues his role as executive producer, guiding the show’s mix of topical humor, celebrity cameos, and viral musical performances. SNL’s legacy—now in its 51st season—remains unmatched in late-night television, holding the record for most Emmy wins and maintaining its place at the forefront of comedy and culture.
Tonight’s SNL episode balanced nostalgia and fresh talent, with Olivia Dean’s soulful performances and Glen Powell’s comedic presence anchoring the show. The announcement of Melissa McCarthy and Dijon for December signals SNL’s ongoing commitment to mixing legacy stars with new voices, ensuring the show remains a dynamic force in entertainment.