Shane Gillis returned to host Saturday Night Live this week, bringing his game energy to Studio 8H, but the season's subpar streak continues. Despite a promising cold open featuring Pete Hegseth and RFK Jr., the episode struggled to maintain momentum, leaving audiences and critics underwhelmed.
Shane Gillis Brings Game Energy to SNL
Shane Gillis is no stranger to controversy, but his second stint as host showed a comedian willing to dive headfirst into sketches. His monologue tackled his firing from the show in 2019 with a mix of self-deprecation and defiance, earning laughs but also highlighting the show's reliance on shock value. Throughout the night, Gillis committed to characters, from a clueless gym bro to a tone-deaf politician, proving he's a game host even when the material falters.
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Cold Open: A Slight Improvement
The episode opened onboard the USS Lincoln, with Colin Jost's Pete Hegseth welcoming sailors back to San Diego. The sketch had an appropriately mean streak, poking fun at the administration's absurdities, including a "live-streamed execution in December" and a Department of War logo with "an American eagle with a Nazi vibe." James Austin Johnson's RFK Jr. stole the scene with vocal spasms and a renamed "cold and flu and listeria and measles and trench brain season." While sharper than recent cold opens, it still felt like a rehash of familiar targets.
Why the Season's Subpar Streak Continues
Season 50 has been a mixed bag, with high-profile hosts and nostalgic cameos failing to consistently deliver. The writing often leans on easy jokes and recycled premises, and this episode was no exception. Sketches like a game show about inappropriate workplace behavior and a musical number about online shopping felt like filler. Even Gillis's charisma couldn't elevate predictable punchlines.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
- Shane Gillis proved to be a committed and energetic host.
- The cold open was sharper than recent weeks but still relied on low-hanging fruit.
- James Austin Johnson's RFK Jr. impression was a standout.
- Weak writing dragged down the overall episode.
- The season's subpar streak remains unbroken.
Comparing SNL Hosts: Gillis vs. Recent Guests
To gauge Gillis's performance, let's compare him to other hosts this season.
| Host | Episode Date | Standout Sketch | Overall Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shane Gillis | March 2, 2025 | Monologue | 3.5 |
| Timothée Chalamet | January 25, 2025 | Dune audition | 4.0 |
| Ariana Grande | October 12, 2024 | Bridesmaid speech | 4.5 |
| John Mulaney | November 2, 2024 | Musical sketch | 4.0 |
While Gillis didn't reach the highs of Ariana Grande or John Mulaney, he outperformed some earlier episodes. The inconsistency remains a hallmark of this season.
FAQ
Who hosted SNL this week?
Shane Gillis hosted the March 2, 2025 episode of Saturday Night Live.
Was the episode well-received?
Reception was mixed. While Gillis's energy was praised, the writing and overall episode were criticized, continuing the season's subpar streak.
What was the best sketch of the night?
The cold open featuring James Austin Johnson's RFK Jr. was a standout, though the monologue was also a highlight.
In the end, Shane Gillis proved he's a game host, but SNL's subpar streak continues. Without stronger writing, even the most energetic hosts can't save the show from mediocrity.
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