In a significant moment for Saturday Night Live's nearly 50-year history, comedian Nikki Glaser took the helm as host, joining an exceptionally short list of female stand-up comics to have done so.
A Historic Hosting Gig
Glaser's appearance places her in a select group that includes comedy legends Joan Rivers, Roseanne Barr, Rosie O'Donnell, Amy Schumer, and Tiffany Haddish. This booking comes fresh from her acclaimed performance hosting the Golden Globes, a gig she is set to reprise, and her star-making turn at The Roast of Tom Brady.
The episode also featured a landmark moment with musical guest Sombr, a newly announced Best New Artist Grammy nominee. In a nod to the show's long history, Sombr holds the distinction of being the first SNL musical guest born after veteran cast member Kenan Thompson joined the show.
Punchy and Provocative Monologue
Glaser did not hold back during her opening monologue, tackling a series of provocative subjects with her signature rapid-fire delivery. She volleyed between calling New York City "Epstein's original island" and delving into topics like slavery and rape, confronting life's taboos head-on without pausing for breath.
This marked a departure from her celebrity-focused material seen at the roasts and Golden Globes, as she waded into more controversial territory for the network television audience.
Standout Sketches and Surprise Appearances
The episode was characterised by its fast-moving, punchy sketches. One early sketch featured Glaser alongside new cast member Tommy Brennan, a 31-year-old comedian who previously opened for her on tour. Playing siblings singing love songs to each other, the bit ventured into uncomfortable comedic territory with its incest-themed humour.
A particularly inspired sketch saw Glaser and cast member Sarah Sherman embark on a magical, drunken adventure after riding a mechanical bull. The segment, which recalled some of SNL's zaniest historical bits, featured time travel, military missiles, and a rootin' tootin' theme from James Austin Johnson.
The political satire was sharp as ever, with Johnson's impression of Donald Trump tackling the week's headlines about a man collapsing in the Oval Office. "A guy collapsing in the Oval Office, who would have thought it'd be not me," the character quipped, nodding to past rumours about Trump's health.
Weekend Update brought a surprise appearance from former cast member Pete Davidson, who riffed on his much-discussed purchase of the Staten Island Ferry and the news that he is going to be a father. "I'm just excited to be a dad and give it all of the energy and enthusiasm I never had for this show," he joked.
Other memorable sketches included a parody of Mr Beast's viral videos titled "Beauty and Mr Beast," a commercial spoof for life-size American Girl dolls that inadvertently attract certain men, and a bit about a pilot using flight delays to workshop his dating app replies.
The show wrapped with a whimsical sketch featuring Glaser as Ana, a woman with forest friends, which showcased Bowen Yang's hilarious performance as a bunny named Mr Bunsy, who vaulted between demure and furious.
Overall, Glaser's hosting debut was a raunchy, rapid-fire affair that cemented her status as a major force in comedy and marked a historic step for female stand-ups on the iconic SNL stage.
