The latest installment of “Saturday Night Live” witnessed a star-studded affair as veteran guest hosts gathered to honor Kristen Wiig’s induction into the esteemed “Five-Timers Club.” Despite the illustrious lineup, Wiig’s fifth hosting stint took center stage, overshadowing her peers, many of whom have yet to achieve this milestone.
The festivities commenced with Paul Rudd, a bona fide five-timer, extending his congratulations to Wiig. Subsequently, a parade of A-listers, including Matt Damon, Jon Hamm, Martin Short, Will Forte, Fred Armisen, and Ryan Gosling, joined the jubilation. While each guest contributed their unique charm to the occasion, Wiig stood out as the quintessential member of the Five-Timers Club.
Table of Contents
Wiig, a former “Saturday Night Live” cast member, graced the stage for her fifth hosting gig, adding to her previous appearances in 2013, 2016, and twice in 2020. Amidst cheers from the audience and warm greetings from her ex-colleague Paula Pell, Wiig expressed her delight at receiving the iconic Five-Timers Club jacket, symbolizing her longstanding association with the show.
Damon, with two hosting credits under his belt, humorously recounted Lorne Michaels’ humorous take on his performances, suggesting that his inaugural stint was so remarkable it counted as three. Hamm, boasting three hosting gigs himself, playfully hinted at the anticipation surrounding his fourth appearance, teasing Michaels about its timing.
Amidst the banter, Wiig couldn’t help but express her incredulity at the situation, questioning the exclusivity of the Five-Timers Club. Gosling, not yet a five-timer, made an early cameo to present Wiig with her jacket, adding to the comedic frenzy.
In addition to the jubilant reunion, “Saturday Night Live” kicked off the episode with a spoof of TBS’ NCAA basketball coverage, injecting a dose of March Madness into the mix. Wiig’s return coincides with her starring role in the new Apple TV+ series “Palm Royale” and her ongoing endeavors, including voicing Lucy in “Despicable Me 4” and reprising her beloved “SNL” character, Target Lady, in Target commercials.
The star-studded extravaganza continued as the guests participated in various sketches throughout the night. Hamm, in a nostalgic nod to 1960s office culture, channeled the essence of “Mad Men,” while Rudd, Armisen, Damon, and Forte showcased their comedic prowess in a range of sketches, enriching the evening’s entertainment.
As the night reached its conclusion, Wiig, alongside the entire “SNL” ensemble and guests, donned their Five-Timers Club jackets, symbolizing the union of past and present talent on the iconic stage.
Adding to the excitement, British singer-songwriter Raye made her debut as the musical guest, marking a milestone in her burgeoning career.
Wiig’s hosting stint epitomizes the enduring legacy of “Saturday Night Live,” uniting past and present cast members in a celebration of comedic talent and camaraderie.
Kristen Wiig Joins “Five-Timers Club” Amidst Star-Studded “SNL” Monologue
Kristen Wiig had a momentous night on “Saturday Night Live” as she became a member of the prestigious “Five-Timers Club.” However, her induction into this elite group was accompanied by a slew of celebrity cameos, most of whom are not actual members of the club.
The actress and comedian opened her monologue with excitement, declaring, “I am so happy to be back, and I am so excited because it is my fifth time hosting. So I’m officially in the Five-Timers Club!” Despite her enthusiasm, Wiig soon found herself surrounded by guests who had not achieved this hosting milestone.
The celebrity appearances began with Paul Rudd, who humorously inquired about the famed “five-timer sketch” that often accompanies such occasions. Wiig, however, dashed his hopes by revealing there was no such sketch planned for the night.
The monologue concluded with Ryan Gosling, slated to host the following week, also donning a Five-Timers jacket prematurely. Despite Wiig’s concern, Michaels signaled for Gosling not to fret about it.
Throughout the evening, the star-studded group of former “SNL” hosts made appearances in various sketches, adding to the entertainment value of the show. Additionally, British singer-songwriter Raye made her debut as the musical guest, contributing to the night’s festivities.
As “Saturday Night Live” delved into the March Madness fervor, focusing on the women’s tournament, Wiig’s induction into the Five-Timers Club added an extra layer of excitement to the evening’s proceedings. Despite the unexpected turn of events, Wiig’s milestone served as a reminder of the legacy and camaraderie that define the iconic sketch comedy show.
As the monologue progressed, Matt Damon joined the fray, sporting a Five-Timers jacket despite only having hosted “SNL” twice. Jokingly, Damon attributed his multiple appearances to the exceptional quality of his first hosting stint.
Wiig, visibly perplexed by the turn of events, questioned the significance of the Five-Timers Club jackets if they were being handed out so liberally. The camera then panned to Lorne Michaels, accompanied by Jon Hamm, Martin Short, Fred Armisen, and Will Forte, all sporting their Five-Timers jackets despite not individually meeting the hosting criteria.