Top 10 SNL Hosts ever, ranked, as the show celebrates 50 Years Anniversary

Since its launch, Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been a cultural phenomenon. The show has provided a platform for several celebrities and launched some of the biggest names in comedy. Each host has contributed a unique touch to the show.

However, some hosts have become so well known for their performances that they have left an indelible mark on the viewers. As SNL celebrates its 50th anniversary it is a great opportunity to look at some of the best hosts in the show's history. These hosts range from A-list actors who have made a name for themselves in the industry to seasoned comedians with timing that leaves the viewers wanting more.

For five decades SNL has been one of the best shows with live sketch comedy. Let’s dive deep into the world of SNL and talk about the hosts who have made their names indelible from the show. Here are the top 10 SNL hosts ever, ranked.

Disclaimer: The article is based on the author's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.

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1) Scarlett Johansson

There is no doubt that Scarlett Johansson is a great actor whose versatility is worth praise. She is also a great host as she has proven her skills while hosting the Saturday Night Live show leaving a significant mark. She is known for her ability to seamlessly blend into the characters that she plays. Similarly while hosting SNL she adapted to the comedic demands of the show.

She transitioned seamlessly between characters during the sketches that she embodied while impersonating celebrities or doing physical comedy. It was evident from her performance that she was fully committed to the show when she hosted SNL. She has hosted the SNL several times and each time she has given memorable performances that have become iconic moments in SNL history. The recognition she has received as an SNL host shows her contribution to the show and her capability.

2) Timothee Chalamet

Yet another great host, Timothee Chalamet has proven his hosting capabilities at the SNL show many times. He is known for his dramatic roles and commits fully to the SNL’s comedic world. He has no trouble showing off his fun side without any awkwardness which is essential for hosting SNL shows.

He has a great sense of humor and also genuinely enjoys himself while hosting the show. He does his homework diligently while collaborating with the writers and the cast. His diligence makes his performance memorable and not just rehearsed. He has the ability to connect with younger audiences while also appealing to the long-time viewers of the show proving his dedication to SNL. Timothee Chalamet is talented and committed and brings a unique flavor every time he comes as a host on the show.

3) Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore has been the youngest host of SNL in its history. She hosted the show when she was just seven years old. She hosted the show five more times after her first appearance which made her a member of the Five-Timers Club. Even at such a young age, she was able to perform and host the show memorably. Her comfort and knack for comedy is evident. She is known for her warm and endearing personality which the viewers enjoy while watching the show.

Although it is easy to get overlooked as a kid while hosting such a huge show Drew Barrymore was poised and was not only reading lines but performing with skill. She is not afraid to show her fun side and has a willingness to embrace the absurd which is essential for SNL. It can be said that she has paved the way for young actors to host SNL and showed what can be done to make the show even better.

4) Christopher Walken

Christopher Walken first appeared as the host of SNL in 1990 and has hosted the show seven times. He is considered one of the best hosts of SNL by the viewers. He is also a member of the Five-Timers Club. He is known for his distinct voice and unique personality which makes his comedy style instantly recognizable. His iconic creation of SNL characters especially The Continental has been one of the most memorable SNL sketches.

He was fully committed to every role he did and did not shy away from being absurd. He delivered every punchline with deadpan seriousness which made the comedy even funnier. Apart from his hosting, he has also done several cameos in the show which have been appreciated by the viewers as well.

5) Chevy Chase

Known for hosting the SNL show eight times, Chevy Chase is one of the best hosts and it cannot be denied. Chevy Chase is a master of physical comedy which can be seen in his performance during the show.

He often incorporated pratfalls and slapstick into his sketches in the show. His impersonation of President Gerald Ford is one of his most memorable performances according to the viewers. He was the face of the show often during his time and set the tone with his dry and sarcastic delivery of jokes. He was a gifted performer and brought physicality to his characters.

Although he left the show to pursue his career in movies his impact on SNL is undeniable. Chevy Chase helped shape the show’s comedic identity and paved the way for future generations.

6) Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks has hosted the SNL 10 times since 1985. He created the legendary Five-Timers Club which is a group of individuals who have hosted the SNL at at least five times. He coined the Five-Timers Club term during an episode in 1990 while introducing other members of this club. Tom Hanks is known for his enthusiasm and dedication for what he does be it in his movies or the shows he hosts. Similarly while hosting SNL, his enthusiasm and wholehearted performance becomes memorable to the viewers.

Every sketch he did, every character or musical number is proof of his capability as a host. Tom Hanks has comedic timing and the capability to deliver a punchline which has been appreciated by the viewers. Throughout his appearances as a host in SNL, he did several sketches that solidified his status as a top-tier host of the show. His genuine happiness is radiated while he is on the show.

7) Buck Henry

Yet another legendary host of SNL, Buck Henry hosted the show 10 times starting in 1976. His humor and satirical jokes aligned with the show. He was the reliable choice of the early days of SNL especially known for his gravitas and comedic style. His jokes were not about big and loud performances and leaned into the dry and subtle wordplay which perfectly landed the joke.

Buck Henry's sportiness in embracing the absurd and exploring characters that were difficult made him a legend. He also accidentally got injured by John Belushi’s sword during one of his sketches. Apart from being a comedic genius, Buck Henry is also a respected screenwriter and director and has worked with legends like Steve Allen.

8) John Goodman

Let's talk about yet another legendary name from the list of hosts of SNL, John Goodman. John Goodman has hosted the SNL 13 times since 1989 and is another member of the Five-Timers Club. His performance in movies like The Big Lebowski and Raising Arizona proves his capability as a versatile actor. He committed himself to every sketch he did at SNL with utmost dedication. John Goodman's appearance in the Drunk Uncle sketches of SNL is remembered fondly by the viewers.

He captured the essence of every character and added his comedic flair to it. John Goodman relied on physical comedy which added to his performances. His down-to-earth appeal helped him reach a wider audience.

9) Steve Martin

One of the best hosts of SNL known for his well-crafted monologues and clever humor, Steve Martin has hosted SNL sixteen times. His comedy relied heavily on physical humor with silly walks, pratfalls, and gestures which made him captivating to the viewers. His appearance in Wild and Crazy has been one of the most memorable moments of SNL.

However, Steve Martin’s humor was not just limited to physical humor in SNL. He had a way with wordplay and often poked fun at the entertainment industry and satirized social issues. He has set a benchmark for comedic hosting and is referenced often.

10) Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin has hosted the maximum number of times at SNL and is one of the best hosts of the show. He has hosted seventeen times since 1990 and has made a name for himself among the viewers. He is known for his versatility and can play a wide range of characters with ease. This versatility has made him a great host for SNL and given the viewers, some of the most memorable SNL moments and even earned him several accolades.

Even after having a busy career Alec Baldwin has always returned to SNL and put in the work needed to make it even better with each time. Alec Baldwin has a natural comedic timing and he delivers his performance with spot-on impressionism and subtlety making it feel even more authentic.