Top 20 Best Saturday Night Live Hosts
#20: Paul Rudd
Paul Rudd is famous for being seemingly ageless. And his “SNL” appearances never get old, either. The actor, known for playing Ant-Man and appearing in comedy classics like “Clueless” and “Anchorman” is unsurprisingly great on the Studio 6H stage. In his debut episode, Rudd proved himself as a host willing to commit to a sketch. And since then, he’s only gotten better. Rudd’s everyman charisma and comic timing make him a natural in this setting. Even for his fifth time - filmed without an audience due to a coronavirus outbreak - he still delivered. And we have no doubt that Rudd has more great hosting gigs to come.
#19: Paul Simon
We got another Paul! However, this one is better known for his music. Paul Simon has appeared on “SNL” as a musical guest multiple times. And four of those times, he’s pulled double duty. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Simon is comfortable in front of a live audience. But he’s such a natural at this, you might think he had another career as a comedian. Though he’s known for writing some pretty serious songs, Simon adapts perfectly to the rhythms of any sketch he’s in. It's been more than 30 years since Simon's last time hosting "SNL." But we'd absolutely welcome a return from him.
#18: Betty White
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Betty White only hosted “SNL” once. But it was such an amazing effort, we have to include her. Hosting thanks in part to a successful social media campaign, the legendary actress and comedian showed just how much of an impact she could still make. Though White, then-88 years old, may have been the oldest host in “SNL” history, she had more energy than hosts half her age or more. And, unsurprisingly, the rest of the cast - including multiple returning alums - are on their A-game as well. White won an Emmy for this episode and reminded us of an invaluable lesson: you’re only as old as you feel.
#17: Adam Driver
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Adam Driver has come to be recognized as one of the best actors of his generation, reaping countless awards and nominations, with undoubtedly more to come. And his “SNL” hosting stints show just how much range he has. In all of his times as host, Driver’s dedication to each and every sketch has been absolutely inspiring. Whether riffing on his role in “Star Wars” or playing a particularly unhinged career day speaker, Driver gives it his all from beginning to end. We almost wonder if there’s any limit to his abilities. If there is, we haven’t seen it.
#16: Dwayne Johnson
It wasn’t just his muscles that made Dwayne Johnson such a star in the wrestling ring. The entertainer, once better known as “The Rock,” has presence that’s all but unignorable. And his charisma translates seamlessly to “SNL.” Though many sketches successfully mine comedy from his physicality, we also have to applaud his ability to immerse himself in a character no matter what. And his versatility means he can play an assortment of roles like the pro that he is. We can smell what the Rock is cooking whenever he’s on “SNL.” And we always want more.
#15: Richard Pryor
Richard Pryor made history as the first Black “SNL” host. And his appearance was also the first episode aired with a tape delay, due to the comedian’s penchant for unpredictability. Hosting the show’s seventh episode, Pryor’s subversive and daring style helped “SNL’s” image as anything but a typical variety show. One sketch in particular, co-starring Chevy Chase, is still considered one of the show’s best-ever. He only hosted a single time. But it was truly an event to remember. If you want to understand why so many comedians cite Pryor as an influence, just watch this episode.
#14: Scarlett Johansson
Paul Rudd isn’t the only Avenger to make an impression on the “SNL” stage. Scarlett Johansson has hosted numerous times, and she always brings it. Though her movie roles are typically quite dramatic, Johansson is a sketch writer’s dream. There’s seemingly no role that’s too broad for her to handle. And she gives even the most-seasoned cast members a run for their money. Even after six hosting gigs, she keeps impressing us with her range. An incredibly accomplished performer going all the way back to her childhood, Johansson makes any episode of “SNL” a must-watch.
#13: Jon Hamm
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By now, Jon Hamm’s comedic chops are firmly established. But when we primarily knew him for “Mad Men,” we had no idea that he was capable of making us laugh this hard. Hosting the show three times between 2008 and 2010, he’s shown just how far his talents go. He’s even capable of holding down a sketch all by himself. And while Don Draper might take himself very seriously, Hamm is totally game for all kinds of shenanigans. Whether wearing a tailored suit or dressing decidedly down, Jon Hamm’s presence is sure to improve any sketch.
#12: Emma Stone
When Emma Stone first hosted “SNL” in 2010, she was still something of a rising star. And her debut episode only made that star shine even brighter. The future Oscar winner was immediately a natural fit for this comedic institution. And every subsequent hosting gig has shown her honing her talents further. She’s able to make us crack up with just a single perfect expression or hilariously delivered line. It’s also readily apparent just how invested she is in every sketch she’s in. Watch any episode of “SNL” hosted by Stone, and you’ll see why she’s become such a beloved talent.
#11: Danny DeVito
Danny DeVito certainly didn’t need to host “SNL” to be recognized as a comedic genius. But we’re sure glad he did anyway. He’s hosted five times, six if you count his co-hosting with then-spouse Rhea Perlman. Just like with his movie and sitcom roles, DeVito has an inimitable energy that can kick the quality of any sketch several notches. And he also gives his fellow performers plenty to work with. The last time DeVito hosted “SNL” was all the way back in 1999. And we can only hope his hosting days aren’t over just yet.
#10: Melissa McCarthy
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Early in her career, this actress performed with famous Los Angeles sketch group The Groundlings. So obviously, Melissa McCarthy has the necessary improv chops to hang with “SNL’s” best. She’s played Sean Spicer to perfection with her sensational physical comedy, and the portrayal even led to a Primetime Emmy Award. Meanwhile, her original characters showcase her comedic versatility and ability to go with the flow. Melissa is loud but charming, which makes her a dynamic, unforgettable host; one that “SNL” continues to call on for special appearances.
#9: Buck Henry
In contrast to Melissa McCarthy’s in-your-face style of comedy, this old-school icon takes a more subtle approach. Back in the late 70s, Buck Henry’s dry humor was so captivating that he was asked to host the season finale four years in a row. Considering “SNL”’s gallery of wacky characters, Henry is the perfect “straight man” for sketches about social outcasts. Some of his finest moments will creep you out in that hilariously awkward kind of way, while others display Buck’s raw comedic talent. Either way, he’s guaranteed to make you laugh.
#8: Candice Bergen
This model turned actress is known for her extensive film and television work. What you may not realize, however, is that Candice Bergen is the daughter of comedian Edgar Bergen, and she clearly shares his penchant for humor. Bergen set a high bar for ALL hosts on “SNL,” and she was also the first woman to host. In sketches, Candice plays it cool and is able to match some of the series’ most accomplished cast members beat for beat. Over the years, she’s often returned, making her not just a memorable guest host, but one of the series’ most influential and relatable hosts.
#7: Drew Barrymore
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Speaking of relatable performers, this American actress has been in the public eye since childhood. Oh, and Drew Barrymore also comes from a Hollywood family. She makes it look easy on stage, and she’s an old pro, too, as she actually hosted in 1982 at only seven years old. While Drew can hold her own with original characters, it’s the celebrity impressions that stand out most. She may be America’s sweetheart, but she will kill you with her kind demeanor and her extraordinary knack for comedic timing.
#6: Tom Hanks
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Everybody loves this American icon, so much so that he acknowledged himself as America’s father during a 2016 monologue. Long before Tom Hanks became an Oscar winner, he was a comedic veteran of the “SNL” stage. Like Drew Barrymore, he’s got a gift for astute celebrity impressions, but he’s also capable of stepping away from the script for bizarre, zany characters. Remember, this is “Bosom Buddies’” Buffy Wilson that we’re talking about. He puts the audience at ease, only to flip the script with his vast range of comedic quirks.
#5: John Goodman
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Back in 1980, this extraordinary character failed to make the “SNL” cut. But John Goodman nonetheless became a series legend. With his larger than life nature, he can play overbearing and aggressive characters, and he’s also got the personality to channel his feminine side, too. Remember Linda Tripp? And while Goodman’s not afraid of going over-the-top he can pull things back he needs to, always playing off his fellow “SNL” performers. If Tom Hanks is America’s Dad, then John Goodman is America’s hilarious uncle.
#4: Justin Timberlake
Some performers just have that special X factor, and this superstar is one of those blessed individuals. Justin Timberlake obviously brings some hip appeal to the “SNL” stage, but he keeps people tuned in with his magnetic personality and triple threat skill set. He always seems one step ahead during sketches, leaving viewers curious if he’ll stay on script or improvise. Plus, Justin also seems to be having the time of his life, resulting in several hilarious moments that keep “SNL” in the headlines.
#3: Christopher Walken
If Justin Timberlake makes the audience comfortable, then this man does the exact opposite. Still, Christopher Walken brings a strange sense of effortless cool to “SNL” with his intellectual comedy and subdued technique. Like John Goodman, Walken excels during bizarre scenarios, whether he’s asking for more cowbell, or breaking the fourth wall as “The Continental.” Plus, his unorthodox manner of speech always keeps the cast members on their toes, as they wonder which way Walken will go. He’s a true original that brings out the best in other performers.
#2: Alec Baldwin
Younger “SNL” fans surely recognize this actor for his exaggerated Donald Trump impression. But Alec Baldwin is no one-trick pony, as he’s one of the most versatile celebrities to ever host... and he’s hosted more times than anybody else as of 2017. Alec’s run began in 1990, as he mixed celebrity impressions with oddball characters to complement the likes of oddball comics such as Chris Farley and Adam Sandler. He’s a true professional; someone that raises the bar by staying on point with each and every sketch. And of course, he isn’t afraid of doing political impersonations. While Baldwin has gone through some serious challenges in recent years, his work on “SNL” will always be cherished.
#1: Steve Martin
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This comedy icon has been with “SNL” since the beginning. In fact, some people may actually believe that Steve Martin is an original cast member. In the early days, he helped put “SNL” on the map with his improv comedy and purely original characters, all the while creating pop culture moments before going viral was even a thing. With his extraordinary ability to simply entertain, Steve makes “SNL” must-watch TV whenever he hosts. He is a comedic genius and clearly enjoys seeing people chuckle at the silliest of things.
