5-Timers Induction Celebration for Martin Quick

With an astounding lineup of 11 guest stars—12 if you count Lucy Liu in a cut-for-time sketch—this episode felt larger than life. Despite the star-studded nature of the evening, the guest stars never overshadowed the main cast or host, which can often happen when such a powerful figure leads the show. The ensemble cast, while taking on smaller roles, still managed to shine, showcasing their versatility and comedic timing alongside Short, who brought his trademark charm and wit to every scene.

The atmosphere was electric, as it felt like we were part of a grand celebration filled with celebrities. There were genuine moments of joy, including when Martin Short managed to elicit laughter from Lorne Michaels during his lively musical monologue, which set the stage for an unforgettable evening. The camaraderie between the cast and guests was palpable, creating a warm and inviting environment that made viewers feel like they were right there in the studio, sharing in the joy and laughter.

Undoubtedly, Martin Short is a comedic legend. His unique ability to infuse humor into every scene, regardless of the material, sets him apart in the world of comedy. Throughout the evening, he elevated his performance in several sketches, seamlessly blending his iconic style with the show’s format. As he bid farewell to 2024, Short delivered a powerful performance that showcased his unmatched talent and left a lasting impression on both the audience and his fellow cast members.

As previously mentioned, Short held his own amidst a star-studded lineup that included Paul Rudd, Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Scarlett Johansson, Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Emma Stone, John Mulaney, and Jimmy Fallon. Each of these celebrities welcomed him into the prestigious SNL 5-Timers Club, a testament to his enduring legacy and influence in the comedy world. A surprise cameo by Dana Carvey added an extra layer of excitement, reminding fans of the rich history shared by these comedy legends.

The highlight of the night was undoubtedly one of the best recurring bits in the show’s history. One particularly memorable moment featured Michael Che having Colin Jost read outrageous jokes he had never seen before during their annual “Joke-Off” segment for Weekend Update. The twist? Che had to read disparaging remarks about his wife while she was in the studio! This added an unexpected layer of humor and tension that had the audience roaring with laughter.

As always, we’ll be ranking all the sketches from worst to best, including the Monologue, Cold Open, “Weekend Update,” and any sketches that were cut for time but made their way online. We’ll skip the musical guests, as they are often not humorous—unless Ashlee Simpson makes a surprise appearance. We’ll wrap up with a look at the cast member who had the strongest week.

This sketch provided a fun opportunity for the cast to showcase over-the-top caricatures of holiday travelers. However, it ultimately fell flat in terms of humor. They squeezed what they could out of the all-star celebrities who lingered after the Cold Open, but the sketch lacked the strength necessary to be memorable. It left viewers wondering if perhaps the characters weren’t exaggerated enough, as many of us have encountered similar personalities at the airport in real life.

Another repeat sketch of the night, this one yielded diminishing returns. It only works when it’s filled with chaotic antics, and unfortunately, it fell short of that mark. Additionally, it was strange not to feature the host in the first sketch following Weekend Update, effectively giving him a significant break. Even with a fun cameo by Dana Carvey, this sketch struggled to make an impact, lacking the necessary madness to truly resonate with the audience.

The visual alone of the cast embracing the beloved Peanuts characters and their iconic dance moves from A Charlie Brown Christmas was worth the price of admission. The pairing of Martin Short and Bowen Yang as a new director and choreographer brought a fresh perspective; however, viewers were left wishing for more context about Charlie Brown’s absence. While the sketch lacked a solid punchline, it charmed audiences with its festive spirit, leaving them smiling rather than laughing out loud.

In a wild interpretation inspired by Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, this sketch took a delightfully violent turn as Martin Short hosted alongside Steve Martin. The blood and chaos flew in this unique take on Dr. Seuss’ holiday classic, with Short perfectly cast as the Grinch. Lucy Liu made a surprise appearance at the end to wrap it up with flair. While not as humorous as the Dickens parody, the over-the-top violence remained entertaining, keeping viewers engaged with its absurdity.

Emerging from a thrilling Cold Open, Martin Short delivered a vibrant musical number that doubled as a backstage tour, delighting the cast by singing about his need for a new prescription. The hilarious segment kicked off with Sarah Sherman trying hard not to laugh as he humorously critiqued her hairstyle. Along the way, he managed to roast Lorne Michaels, share a passionate kiss with Jimmy Fallon, and joke about needing his own prescription. It was a rollicking good time that reaffirmed Short’s status as a comedic veteran, effortlessly extracting laughter from virtually every situation.

This brutally satirical twist on the classic holiday tale worked remarkably well, as SNL cleverly skewered the stereotypical narrative of rediscovering the Christmas spirit and helping someone down on their luck. Knowing where the plot was likely headed did not detract from the humor when the screw finally turned. Heidi Gardner and Kenan Thompson both excelled in their roles, while Mikey Day emerged as the frustrated MVP back home. A hint of chaotic holiday mischief would have heightened the stakes for him, adding an extra layer of tension to the sketch.

For the first time in a long while, we received a genuine 5-Timers sketch that took place in the lounge, effectively bringing back a full host of former SNL hosts. Tom Hanks kicked off the festivities by narrating the sketch like a documentary, sharing that he invented the 5-Timers Club in December 1990, an act he humorously referred to as “an ingeniously lazy way to avoid writing a monologue.”