Top 10 SNL Hosts Who Break the Most

When he returns to host, Will Ferrell brings the same energy that makes him a star. This doesn’t mean that he’s immune from making mistakes like everybody else. As wacky characters, he breaks in hilarious moments from sketches like “Cast List.” The actor plays a convincing theater director until he runs into his co-stars. From one memorable break to another, Ferrell also cracks up alongside Cecily Strong in the “Reality Stars” skit as a crazy socialite. Sometimes it almost looks like he’s laughing at how absurd his dedication is. Even at the end of a scene where he eats shellfish, the star loses it once more as another wild idea gets to him.

In just one episode, this singer earns a place on this list. Adele giggles more than a few times in the “Africa Tourism” skit. The singer tries to compose herself, but breaks multiple times in the scene. She’s obviously enjoying herself as the ridiculous premise finally gets to her. There’s also the “Madame Vivelda” sketch where the performer desperately tries to keep a straight face. Going up against Kate McKinnon’s psychic, she has no chance of staying serious while her co-star leans in close. She’s a natural comedic presence even through all of these mistakes. In only one episode as host, the vocalist shows that she’s having the time of her life.

Through several sketches, Pedro Pascal reminds you of why he’s a star. His bubbly personality and versatile work also include a few hilarious hiccups. “Lisa from Temecula” puts him in a premise full of chaos. He doesn’t just break either, because he really lets loose during the scene. Pascal has an infectious laugh here that livens up any of his sketches. As a patient waking up from a coma, the actor eventually laughs after doing a funny voice the entire time. All the while, he shows that he can do comedy as well as any drama. His moment with Sarah Paulson also features him holding back a smile. Throughout the episode, this star gives performances that you’ll want to revisit.

Eddie Murphy’s return to “SNL” features many classic characters and lots of laughs from the comedian himself. This doesn’t affect the episode quality at all, with most of the material ranking highly among episodes in recent years. The performer brings Gumby back in order to roast the “Weekend Update” co-hosts, breaking in the process of telling them off. With solid writing, the comedy star still lands huge laughs in between breaks. It shows how much of a comedy legend you are when even your mistakes are funny. Along with laughing, Murphy also lets a four-letter word slip at the end of the cooking competition skit. The entire episode stands as a reminder of the performer’s ability to roll with the punches.

With his goofy personality, Charles Barkley proves he can compete with both the actors and comedians that host “SNL.” He’s able to both relish in the experience and play along with some hilarious skits. Whether they’re making him do absurd scenes or impressions, the NBA legend often breaks during his performances. We should probably cut him some slack considering that he’s not a comedic professional. Having said that, his appearances are just as awesome whether he’s chuckling or keeping a straight face. He’s especially great to watch in sketches parodying his career on TNT and co-stars like Shaq.

Not only is Justin Timberlake a frequent musical guest, but he’s also hosted the show many times. His winning chemistry with Jimmy Fallon gives him many of his funniest breaks. As Robin Gibb in “The Barry Gibb Talk Show” sketches, Timberlake can’t help himself. He has to endure Fallon’s falsetto and try not to laugh the entire time. The two are practically comedic brothers at this point because of their collaborations here. When the singer isn’t warring with “The Tonight Show” host, he giggles through some jokes about his own life and career. He reveals that he’s much more than a successful recording artist, laughing as a welcome comic presence.

If you only know her as an award-winning artist, you’re missing out on Billie Eilish’s “SNL” hosting gig. She has a fantastic rapport with Kate McKinnon in particular. During the “Hotel Ad” skit, Eilish cracks up as her co-star keeps needling her. The singer doesn’t let any mistakes stop her either as she carries on through even more funny scenes. She even makes fun of the music industry with her character Deb’s duet with the esteemed Angelo. Her hilarious work and minor mistakes happen in other singing sketches, pushing her talents to the limit as she holds it together.

Along with being one of the show’s best impressionists, Bill Hader brings his A-game to his hosting stints. He also brings back characters like Stefon that keep him laughing throughout segments. Paired with new “Update” presenters Colin Jost and Michael Che, the character keeps Hader giggling through all kinds of hilarious lists. The details and Mulaney cameos are just one reason that the actor keeps messing up. He also has to contend with insane premises like “Girlfriends Game Night.” When you put the performer in old makeup and sit him in a wheelchair, you’re practically asking for things to go wrong. Thankfully for audiences, these mistakes prove to be major highlights during his episodes.

Time and time again, “Saturday Night Live” puts Chance the Rapper in absurd situations. Sometimes he is the judge in a crazy courtroom or having a high-wire date in a bar. The rapper ends up cracking in many scenes that include hilarious writing. He even has to play Steve Harvey’s son in a version of “Family Feud.” His most memorable break comes when he has to take flight during a sketch with Cecily Strong. Seemingly game for everything, the artist looks as if he’s never said “no” to the show’s ideas. We’re more than grateful for that as it gives us even more chances to watch him lose it on live TV.

Anybody who’s seen Ryan Gosling host “SNL” knows he likes to break. This isn’t a bad thing either, making all of his episodes even more fun. Every version of the “Close Encounter” sketch pushes the performer to the limit. With Kate McKinnon providing huge laughs, Gosling is her best audience as he sits front row to a hilarious performance. He doesn’t even need other co-stars to break him as he sometimes seems to trip himself up. The performer should really star in more comedies, showing that he’s both funny and in love with goofy roles. His appearance in the “Beavis & Butthead” sketch is just another reason he flourishes in absurd ideas. He often leans into his imperfections, soaking up the moments with a hearty laugh.