On May 17, 2025, Scarlett Johansson hosted the season finale of Saturday Night Live (SNL), marking her seventh time as host and setting a new record for the most appearances by a female host in the show’s history. This milestone episode concluded SNL’s landmark 50th season, blending humor, nostalgia, and memorable performances.
A Historic Hosting Milestone
Scarlett Johansson’s seventh hosting gig surpasses the previous record held by Tina Fey and Drew Barrymore, who each hosted six times. Johansson’s history with SNL dates back to her debut in January 2006, and she has since become a recurring and beloved presence on the show. Her frequent appearances have solidified her status within the exclusive “Five-Timers Club,” a distinction for hosts who have appeared five or more times. Wikipedia+2People.com+2New York Post+2EW.com+2EW.com+2Wikipedia+2
A Reflective Opening Monologue
Kicking off the finale, Johansson led a musical monologue set to the tune of Billy Joel’s “Piano Man,” joined by cast members Bowen Yang, Ego Nwodim, Mikey Day, and Heidi Gardner. The performance offered a humorous recap of the season’s events, including political satire and celebrity cameos.
Memorable Sketches and Performances
Weekend Update Joke Swap
In the traditional “Weekend Update” joke swap, co-anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che exchanged jokes written for each other, often leading to humorous discomfort. Johansson joined the segment, playfully seeking retribution for a previous off-color joke Che had made about her. The segment showcased the trio’s comedic chemistry and added a personal touch to the finale. The Daily BeastDecider+1New York Post+1
Notable Sketches
- “Bowen’s Still Straight”: A sequel sketch where Johansson humorously confesses a crush on cast member Bowen Yang, leading to comedic twists.AP News+2EW.com+2New York Post+2
- “Couples at the Bar”: A sketch featuring Johansson and Bad Bunny in a comedic scenario involving relationship misunderstandings.Wikipedia+7EW.com+7EW.com+7
- Cold Open: James Austin Johnson reprised his role as Donald Trump in a satirical take on current events.
Musical Guest: Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny returned as the musical guest, performing tracks from his latest album. His performances added energy to the episode, and he also appeared in sketches, showcasing his versatility and comedic timing. EW.com
An Abrupt Ending and Speculation
The episode concluded with an unexpected cut to commercial during the traditional cast farewell, prompting speculation about potential cast departures. Fans noted emotional goodbyes from cast members like Bowen Yang, leading to discussions about the show’s future lineup. New York Post
Conclusion
Scarlett Johansson’s record-breaking appearance on SNL’s 50th season finale was a blend of humor, reflection, and celebration. Her contributions, alongside memorable sketches and performances, provided a fitting close to a landmark season.
Stay tuned for SNL’s 51st season, premiering this fall on NBC.
For more highlights from the finale, watch the recap below: