Harry Styles Takes Center Stage on Saturday Night Live
In a recent episode of Saturday Night Live, Harry Styles celebrated the release of his new album by pulling double duty as both host and musical guest. The episode, which aired without the usual political press conference sketch, opened with a family forced to leave a child behind at a gas station due to soaring prices, humorously blamed on "The Epstein Files." Donald Trump, portrayed by James Austin Johnson, explained the situation with his signature chaotic energy, linking it to the stock market's decline in terms Styles' fans could understand.
Political Satire and Comedic Sketches
The show featured a mix of political satire and absurd sketches. Colin Jost appeared as secretary of war Pete Hegseth, stumbling out of a car in oversized shoes gifted by Trump, claiming America's war against Iran was going well despite media distortions. Jost's portrayal stood out as one of the best political caricatures of the Trump era, adding depth to the episode's humor.
Harry Styles brought his natural drollness to the stage, riffing on his music, fashion sense, and public life. He addressed accusations of queerbaiting with a witty retort and even shared a kiss with Ben Marshall, leaning into the controversy. While his slow speaking style didn't always hit deadpan comedy notes, he delivered punchlines effectively.
Sketch Highlights and Impressions
In one sketch, Styles played a prosecuting attorney against Sebastian Maniscalco, impersonated by Marcello Hernández. Styles surprised audiences with a go-for-broke impression of the comedian, showcasing his versatility. Another sketch, "MAHAspital," parodied medical dramas with a rightwing twist, featuring Johnson as RFK Jr. in a shirtless cameo with a dead bear, though the impersonation was noted as not his best.
"Sparkle of the Sea" introduced a German ocean cruise line with over-the-top accents, but the sketch dragged on, with only Kenan Thompson's French Def Jam comedian earning laughs. A Best Buy store meeting sketch revolved around silly accents and queerbaiting material, which felt repetitive and wore thin quickly.
Musical Performances and Cameos
Ryan Gosling returned to introduce Styles for his first musical performance, adding star power to the episode. On Weekend Update, Jeremy Culhane impersonated Tucker Carlson, critiquing Oscar nominees for liberal politics, though the portrayal was seen as outdated compared to Carlson's current role in rightwing politics. Mikey Day and Marcello Hernández appeared as least and most used emojis, with Day's braggadocio stealing the show.
Paul Simon made a surprise appearance to introduce Styles for his second musical performance, followed by a St. Paddy's Day music video tribute. The catchy ditty featured Styles and his crew joining Irish step dancers, adding a lighthearted touch to the episode.
Fashion and Final Thoughts
In "Harry for Him," Styles collaborated with Target to recreate his gender-fluid looks for everyday men, humorously highlighting how the bold fashion didn't translate well. Styles appeared looser in this sketch, adding to the episode's charm. Overall, this episode of Saturday Night Live was thoroughly fine, with Styles acquitting himself well in both roles. Alongside last week's episode, the show seems to be on an upswing after some dire performances, offering hope for momentum when it returns in three weeks.
