- 4/27/2025
From comedy legends to versatile performers, these hosts have earned their stripes on Studio 8H's stage! Join us as we celebrate the most memorable recurring hosts who've made Saturday Night Live history with their unforgettable characters, iconic sketches, and brilliant comedic timing.
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00:00Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!
00:04Welcome to Ms. Mojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most talented, entertaining, and or funniest five-time hosts in SNL history.
00:14One, two, three, four, five. You're great.
00:18You're great.
00:20Number 10. Justin Timberlake
00:24In the 2000s, Justin Timberlake hosted SNL as a pop artist. People might not have expected a singer to be this funny. He then spent the next decade showing off his natural comedy instincts.
00:36Do you have anything to add?
00:38No.
00:40No, I don't.
00:42Nothing at all.
00:44In the Barry Gibb talk show sketches, he's the hilarious sidekick that breaks. There's also his history with the digital shorts. Along with Andy Samberg, Timberlake played an R&B performer that tackled taboo subjects.
01:04Maybe I'm wise enough to know when a gift me's living, and I got just the one. Something to show you that you are second to none.
01:15This doesn't even count all of his great character work. As a host and a musical guest, this vocalist proved that a pop star can excel as a sketch player.
01:25So there I was, laughing with my comfort slacks around my ankles by the fish tanks at Target. Classic bag.
01:34Number 9. Candice Bergen
01:36As a memorable host from the 1970s and beyond, Candice Bergen shined in the initial years of the show.
01:43She might be best remembered for a fun moment opposite Gilda Radner. In the extremely stupid sketch, Bergen shows that she can roll with the punches and laugh at herself.
01:54You're not too bright, are you, Fern? I mean, whatever your name was.
02:05Lisa!
02:06The dramatic actress also played well with cast members like John Belushi. For period pieces and absurd ideas, the performer knows how to serve the scene.
02:15How many throws will each person get before another person gets to throw?
02:21Three.
02:24Will they be allowed to throw anything?
02:28Within reason.
02:29Would a rotten potato be considered reasonable?
02:34She returned multiple times and became the first woman to join the Five Timers Club. No matter what, the host brought a dedicated performance that made everybody look good.
02:44Then play a little monkey!
02:51Don't look out!
02:52Don't look out!
02:53Don't look out!
02:55Number 8. Tina Fey
02:57As a former writer and performer on SNL, Tina Fey made a name for herself as a comedic mastermind.
03:04So I'm just going to shadow you guys and sort of see what part it might be fun for the audience to see me do for like a week or so.
03:10One matinee, that's what we agreed to.
03:12Let's get started!
03:13She's since returned as a guest actor and host many times. With her Sarah Palin impression, Fey reminded everyone that she could control the entire scene.
03:22One in five jobs being created today under the umbrella of job creation, that, you know, also...
03:30She always has a natural delivery that works for any kind of comic concept.
03:46Fey also co-hosted with Amy Poehler in another fantastic episode, revealing her chemistry with other Saturday Night Live staples.
03:54Who are we mad at?
03:55We've got a deep dope squad. It takes a village, y'all. We've got the best ladies. We've been told that we roll team.
04:06Her days as a weekend update anchor and 30 Rockstar only made her more qualified to rejoin the show.
04:13She's continuously proved herself with a mix of characters and dry comedy.
04:18What's going to happen is Stacy will apply for an internship at your company.
04:21Which she will hear about from a college roommate who is also, you guessed it, your daughter.
04:28I mean, that's kind of nice, right? At least then my daughter and she can stay friends.
04:34Oh, yeah. Your daughter's going to love it.
04:37Number seven, Martin Short.
04:40Producing decades of exceptional comedy, Martin Short makes any appearance worthwhile.
04:45Oh, but then what if I did know the answer? Then I would be a winner. I would be a winner.
04:49I would be a winner. I would have to take my cognitive ambulance because I would be collapsing from my own joy, I must say.
04:56He's a comedic machine that makes every hosting gig special.
05:00Partnering with Steve Martin, the comedian helped to create an awesome comedic pair.
05:04There are so many great things that I could say about Steve Martin, but this hardly seems the time nor the place.
05:16Short also has the distinction of being a former cast member of SNL.
05:20He has a talent for great voices and accents, turning each scene into a masterclass.
05:27The performer even shines in funny moments with Paul McCartney.
05:30He's not just one of the three amigos, showing off his diverse abilities every time he shows up.
05:36The actor's recent induction into the Five Timers Club certifies his legendary status.
05:41Now, first things first, we need to make sure you're really ready to be a five-timer. Quick, name three current cast members.
05:48No idea.
05:50Correct! And that was the whole test.
05:52Number six, Christopher Walken.
05:55This performer's offbeat delivery makes him a secret weapon on Saturday Night Live.
06:00But deep down, Colonel Angus is very sweet.
06:03Well, we hope you'll spend the night with us.
06:05Well, thank you, Miss Annabelle. And if I overstay my welcome, just tap me on the head.
06:14The dramatic actor won an Oscar in his earlier career, but he later found a comedic edge on this show.
06:21His sketches like The Continental let him be as silly as he wants to be.
06:26Cooking is the second best thing I do.
06:30For me, it is better to make love first than to eat.
06:36Or we could make love after.
06:44He developed something of a new persona thanks to opportunities from SNL.
06:49In the Moore Cobwell skit, Walken lays down one of the finer guest performances in the programme's history.
06:55Guess what? I got a fever.
06:58And the only prescription is more cowbell.
07:02Thank you, Bruce.
07:05His unique cadence can't be understated, helping to sell scripts like the infamous Colonel Angus.
07:12He even finds a way to play opposite impressions of himself.
07:15For a walk-in, adolescence is a difficult time. You feel like you're the only normal person in a school full of nut jobs. Am I right?
07:28Wow! It's like you're looking right into my noggin!
07:33Number 5. Melissa McCarthy
07:35On both TV and film, Melissa McCarthy established herself as a physical comedian.
07:41She then lent these talents to many SNL ventures. As a host, she feels like the missing link that enhances every skit.
07:47McCarthy easily slips into the zaniest characters with ease. She doesn't care about putting her body on the line for a joke.
08:01Are you okay?
08:03Come here.
08:04Take it! Take it! Take it! Take it! You cannot come at me like that! I will put you in the corner of CNN!
08:18Willing to fall down stairs, the performer is fearless in roles such as Lulu Diamonds. You could easily imagine her as a cast member in another life.
08:28No matter what absurd person she's playing, she gives 110% to every single episode.
08:34Don't be silly! We can go up the monkey way!
08:37What's that?
08:38Oh, you'll see and you'll hear it!
08:41Hubba hubba hubba, yowza, wabba!
08:45I'm not so...
08:47Doesn't seem very logical!
08:48Yeah...
08:50Number 4. Will Ferrell
08:52Few could argue against him being one of the most iconic cast members from Saturday Night Live.
08:58Will Ferrell's post-show career is full of classic material, prompting his return from many successful hosting sessions.
09:06He also brought back famous roles like Alex Trebek for Celebrity Jeopardy!
09:10That is a nonsense word! Judges? Yes! Yes, the judges agree! Fantastic! I'm so very happy in this moment!
09:19With many original characters, the comedian could steal a scene next to any talented performer.
09:25Ferrell is the rare person who can make anyone look good and get guaranteed laughs.
09:30Mario's been talking about to pop out of his head!
09:34I am a red-blooded American boy after all!
09:38What is happening?
09:40Oh buddy, don't make me hit you with my dog! Because I will do it! Peanut is locked and loaded!
09:47As one of the most energetic personalities in SNL history, this actor shows that he's never lost his step.
09:53Whether he's breaking or keeping a straight face, he never fails to entertain.
09:58Oh my god, he double cast it? We each only get to do one night?
10:03Noooo!
10:06Yes! Gorgeous, sweet chaos!
10:10Number 3. John Goodman
10:12Over a dozen times John Goodman was invited to host SNL. He showed each time that he's a superior character actor, blending into any sketch idea.
10:23I got one more drink and 30 more nephews.
10:27Get out of my glass and into my mouth. Get your maxi, baby!
10:34This includes his ability to do celebrity impressions. He appeared as various celebrities over the years, including a hilarious impersonation of Robert De Niro.
10:44Are you talking about that UFO movie he was in?
10:46Oh, yes I am. Don't you remember?
10:52Hey Cho, look. You broke Mr. Holland's opus.
10:57Goodman could hold his own alongside amazing performers like Phil Hartman or Amy Poehler.
11:02He's often the life of the party, turning his episodes into wall-to-wall fun.
11:07Always spit twice in every dish. Once when you cook it and once when you serve it.
11:13Cause there should always be a little bit of you in everything you made.
11:17The Big Lebowski star can do jokes, act and even dance when he wants.
11:23You couldn't ask for a host that's more game to throw himself into anything.
11:27Woo! Where's he going?
11:29I don't know.
11:30Hey, hey guys.
11:31Jam, where are you going?
11:32Huh? Get ready for the next sketch.
11:34The monologue killed.
11:37Did you tell them that Neil Young is on the show?
11:40Did I? I don't know. Yeah, probably. Somebody said Neil Young.
11:44I just did.
11:45Oh, good job. Thanks for covering.
11:47Number 2. Tom Hanks.
11:49Since the 1980s, Tom Hanks has been one of the show's most reliable hosts.
11:54He's also the first one to formally enter the Five Timers Club.
11:58You know, we've had our eye on you ever since your third show.
12:04And everybody felt quite confident that you were going to make the Five.
12:07Oh, well, thank you. That's very flattering.
12:09Yeah, there was some concern after Joe versus the Volcano, but everyone has...
12:16Anyway.
12:17I don't know. I'm happy.
12:18During a 1990 episode, the actor entered the proverbial society for elite presenters.
12:24He brings his lovable personality and wit to all kinds of sketches.
12:28Look up nice. In the latest edition of Webster's Dictionary, you'll find a new definition.
12:35Tom Hanks.
12:37Oh, God.
12:39No, you won't.
12:41I've looked it up. It's not there.
12:44He can be silly or the straight man, showing that he's just there to have fun no matter what.
12:50Hanks even turns guest appearances into scene-stealing roles.
12:53I'm David Pumpkins, man!
12:55Okay, yeah, yeah. And David Pumpkins is...
12:58His own thing!
13:00And the skeletons are...
13:02Part of it!
13:04From Jeopardy! parodies to digital shorts, this performer reminds us why he's one of the most beloved artists of his generation.
13:13They out here saying that every vote counts.
13:16Oh, Doug again.
13:17What is, come on, they already decided who wins the report happens.
13:20Yes! Yes!
13:21Yes!
13:23Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honourable mentions.
13:27John Mulaney.
13:28The comedian started as a writer on the show and later returned as a charismatic host.
13:34All day long I'd drink a shoe of rum, if I were a mole person.
13:40We'd never have to work hard.
13:42Yeah baby baby baby!
13:44No baby baby, no baby baby, no!
13:47Alec Baldwin.
13:48This actor has hosted so many times you could call him an honorary cast member.
13:53Well, there's no beating my balls.
13:57They're made from a secret, swaty family recipe.
14:00No one can resist my swaty balls.
14:03Scarlett Johansson, the dramatic actress and Black Widow performer,
14:09frequently shows her knack for comedy.
14:11Five times, five times, hold speed.
14:17Five, five times, five times, hold speed.
14:25Wait, wait, is this song from the Subway commercial?
14:27I am now realizing that it is.
14:30Emma Stone, an Oscar winner that can play both silly and dramatic characters like a charm.
14:36And then, Deirdre took over and said...
14:40Jared.
14:43I...
14:44I forgive you.
14:50Kristen Wiig, this former cast member brings her quirky and wild characters to every appearance.
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15:30Number 1. Steve Martin
15:32When people think about classic SNL hosts, they likely consider this man.
15:37Steve made it happen!
15:39Now it's inside!
15:40Now it's inside!
15:42Live from New York!
15:43New York!
15:46Line!
15:47Steve Martin was reaching the peak of his stand-up career during the early seasons.
15:52Naturally, he fit right in with his wacky performances.
15:55Dancing by the night!
15:57Disco tut, tut!
15:59The ladies love disguise!
16:01Boss tut, tut!
16:03Rockin' for my!
16:05His stage persona translated perfectly to all kinds of iconic moments.
16:10As King Tut, the comedian showed off his musical side.
16:14This doesn't even count his other characters, like one half of the Wild and Crazy Guys.
16:19How many astro-signed medallions can you wear?
16:24I don't know.
16:26Next time, try five of them!
16:28He has many memorable roles, making him something of an honorary cast member.
16:36His episode with Martin Short brought out his chemistry with other comic legends.
16:41For five decades, he's continued to prove himself throughout his many hosting jobs.
16:46Steve, how many times have you hosted?
16:48Oh gosh, I haven't really thought about it.
16:50Hit it!
16:50Did we forget another awesome five-timer host?
17:08Let us know in the comments below.
17:10Oh gosh, look at that, it's beautiful.
17:12Look at the stitching.
17:14Yeah, Lauren's getting really good.
17:15Oh wow.
17:17Do you agree with our picks?
17:18Check out this other recent clip from Ms. Mojo.
17:21And be sure to subscribe and ring the bell to be notified about our latest videos.
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