There’s a special kind of magic that happens when a celebrity steps onto the “Saturday Night Live” stage and completely rewrites what we thought they were capable of. Audiences arrive ready to scrutinize every beat — because switching from scripted film sets or glamorous red carpets to the chaos of live sketch comedy is no small feat. Not everyone has the timing, self-awareness, or sheer audacity needed to thrive on SNL’s unpredictable stage. But when a star does pull it off, it becomes an instant cultural moment that reshapes how we see them.
And then there are the true standouts — the celebrities who didn’t just survive SNL, but reinvented themselves through it. They leaned in, got weird, let go of their polish, and proved they had comedic instincts as sharp as any cast member. These 16 stars delivered performances that were bold, charming, self-aware, and downright unforgettable.
1. Kim Kardashian
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When Kim Kardashian hosted SNL, even her fans weren’t sure what to expect — but she blew skeptics away with a self-aware, tightly delivered monologue that poked fun at her own fame, family, and public image. Her sketches, including “The People’s Kourt,” showcased her willingness to embrace absurdity and dive fully into character work. Kim proved she could hold her own in a live-comedy environment known for testing even the most seasoned performers.
Her hosting episode attracted massive viewership and brought fresh audiences to the show, demonstrating her undeniable cultural pull. Critics noted that her self-deprecating humor gave her a relatability viewers weren’t expecting. It was a strategic and surprisingly funny reinvention, proving she’s far more versatile than people give her credit for.
2. Tom Hanks
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Tom Hanks is one of SNL’s most beloved recurring hosts, and for good reason — he blends warmth, impeccable timing, and a willingness to get downright weird. From the cult-classic “David S. Pumpkins” sketch to his pitch-perfect dad-style humor, Hanks knows exactly how to deliver the kind of sketches that live forever online. His presence feels effortless, and he elevates every cast member around him.
Audiences trust Hanks implicitly, and that trust translates into comfort and spontaneity on stage. Each time he hosts, he brings a grounded, generous energy that makes the show feel instantly cohesive. His appearances are proof that strong comedic instincts don’t require gimmicks — just commitment and joy.
3. Adele
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Adele surprised everyone with her hosting debut, offering a charming blend of vulnerability, self-deprecating humor, and unexpected comedic chops. She playfully addressed her weight loss, her hiatus from music, and her iconic heartbreak anthems, instantly winning the audience over.
Her “Bachelor” sketch became a viral favorite for its chaotic sincerity and over-the-top emotional spirals. What made Adele’s episode special was her ease — she wasn’t trying too hard, she was simply having fun. She revealed a playful side that fans rarely get to see, making her appearance feel both refreshing and intimate. Her hosting stint cemented her as not just a powerhouse vocalist, but a naturally funny and charismatic performer.
4. Justin Timberlake
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Justin Timberlake is practically SNL royalty at this point — his chemistry with the cast, musical versatility, and total lack of ego make every appearance unforgettable. His Digital Shorts with Andy Samberg, including “D*** in a Box,” have become cultural artifacts. Whether he’s playing a singing mascot or a smooth-talking sketch character, Timberlake commits with precision and charm.
His episodes always feel big, polished, and full of energy. Timberlake understands sketch comedy intuitively, and he blends his music with SNL’s rhythm in a way few performers can match. His hosting gigs helped solidify him as one of the great multi-hyphenates of his generation.
5. Emma Stone
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Emma Stone’s hosting appearances prove she’s one of Hollywood’s most naturally gifted comedic actors. She has a knack for extreme characters — earnest, bizarre, unhinged — and she dives in with total commitment. Sketches like “Wells for Boys” and “Les Jeunes de Paris” highlight her comedic bravery and willingness to look delightfully unglamorous.
Critics consistently praise her episodes as some of the most inventive of their seasons. Stone brings the perfect blend of theatricality and vulnerability, making even the weirdest sketches feel grounded. She’s become one of those dependable SNL hosts audiences genuinely look forward to.
6. Chance the Rapper
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Chance the Rapper delivered one of the most unexpectedly strong SNL hosting performances in recent years. His range — from musical bits to straight character comedy — impressed both critics and longtime fans of the show. Sketches like “Sports Announcer” and “Praise Break” showcased his playful tone and impeccable timing.
He brought warmth and authenticity to the show, making his episode feel youthful and vibrant. Chance’s willingness to embrace the silliness of SNL, combined with his natural charm, made him a standout host whose episode holds up incredibly well on repeat viewing.
7. Betty White
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Betty White’s hosting gig remains legendary — not just because she was 88 years old, but because she proved she could outpace comedians a quarter of her age. Her command of timing, deadpan delivery, and improvisational instincts lit up every sketch she touched. Her participation felt like an homage to both her comedic legacy and the evolution of SNL itself.
Her episode drew huge ratings and instantly became one of the most celebrated in SNL history. Betty White didn’t simply host — she reminded the world why she’s one of comedy’s eternal icons. Her appearance became a joyful celebration of everything she represented.
8. Drake
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Drake brought a laid-back confidence and surprising comedic range to his SNL hosting debut. He leaned into jokes about his reputation, his relationships, and his “sensitive rapper” persona, showing a refreshing willingness to parody himself. His musical sketches blended his hip-hop roots with clever character work.
Fans loved how approachable and game he was. Drake didn’t try to act like a superstar — he acted like someone genuinely excited to play. His episode remains one of the most gif-able, cementing his status as an artist with real comedic chops.
9. Lindsay Lohan
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Lindsay Lohan returned to SNL after years of tabloid frenzy, and she reminded everyone that beneath the headlines was a gifted comedic actor. She committed to each sketch with sincerity and playfulness, poking fun at her past while proving she could still hold her own on a live stage. Her episode generated a wave of nostalgia and renewed appreciation for her talent.
Viewers loved seeing Lohan reclaim a small piece of her early-2000s comedic glory. Her performance felt like a comeback — subtle, grounded, and surprisingly funny. It was a reminder that she shines most when she’s not trying to be perfect.
10. Donald Glover
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Donald Glover — actor, comedian, musician, writer, director — arrived at SNL ready to do it all. Hosting and performing as Childish Gambino in the same episode, he delivered a blend of sharp satire, cultural commentary, and self-parody. His sketches showcased his humor, intelligence, and willingness to get weird in all the right ways.
Critics loved how fully realized his comedic voice felt on the SNL stage. Glover brought an artistic sophistication to the episode without losing the wild spontaneity the show thrives on. It remains one of the most stylistically cohesive episodes SNL has produced.
11. Scarlett Johansson
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Scarlett Johansson consistently proves her comedy skills every time she returns to SNL. She excels at physical humor, oddball characters, and the kind of heightened comedic acting that works best in live sketches. Whether spoofing Black Widow or throwing herself into bizarre scenarios, Johansson displays real comedic discipline.
Her episodes feel polished yet loose, with a playful chemistry between her and the cast. Fans appreciate how genuinely she seems to enjoy the process. It’s clear she doesn’t just host SNL — she revels in it.
12. Pedro Pascal
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Pedro Pascal’s hosting debut became a viral sensation thanks to his unexpectedly soft, giggly, and wonderfully chaotic sketch energy. Known primarily for stoic roles in The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, Pascal shocked viewers with his comedy instincts. His “Mario Kart dystopia” bit instantly became a cultural phenomenon.
His warmth, vulnerability, and inability to hide his laughter made him instantly beloved. Pascal’s episode felt like a warm blanket — strange, charming, and endlessly rewatchable. Fans have been demanding a return appearance ever since.
13. Timothée Chalamet
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Timothée Chalamet brought Gen-Z charisma and zero pretension to his SNL episode, diving into sketch comedy with unfiltered joy. His TikTok “e-boy” sketch became an iconic moment, proving he can play satire as convincingly as drama. He brought a sense of looseness and spontaneity that felt infectious.
Chalamet understands comedic rhythm, and his willingness to get silly without protecting his cool-kid image is what sets him apart. His episode was fun, young, and wildly watchable — exactly what SNL needed.
14. Billie Eilish
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Billie Eilish’s hosting debut surprised viewers with how effortlessly funny she was. She leaned into awkwardness, physical humor, and understated deadpan delivery, revealing a comedic instinct beyond her years. Her sketches felt modern, surreal, and perfectly aligned with her artistic brand.
She brought a fresh, youth-driven energy to the show. Fans loved seeing her loosen up, experiment, and poke fun at herself. Billie’s SNL appearance was a reminder that great comedy doesn’t require polish — just authenticity.
15. Zendaya
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Zendaya hasn’t officially hosted *SNL* yet, but the moment she does, the internet will melt. Her cameos and comedic appearances elsewhere prove she has razor-sharp timing, impeccable charisma, and the kind of cool-girl presence that elevates every scene she’s in. Fans already treat her as an honorary SNL icon.
Including her here reflects the cultural reality: she is one of the few stars who could break the internet simply by *stepping* into Studio 8H. And based on her humor, warmth, and self-awareness, she would absolutely crush it.
16. Jennifer Lopez
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Jennifer Lopez brings full superstar commitment to her SNL hosting gigs. She’s glamorous, fearless, and surprisingly goofy, diving into sketches with the kind of confidence only a seasoned performer can pull off. Whether spoofing her own image or playing completely unserious characters, she brings cinematic energy to live comedy.
What fans love most is her willingness to go big — physically, musically, and emotionally. J.Lo doesn’t just adapt to SNL; she elevates it. Her episodes prove why she remains one of the most enduring and versatile entertainers in pop culture.