Harry Styles SNL: Best Sketches & Moments From March 14 Hosting Gig
Harry Styles returned to Studio 8H on March 14, pulling double duty as host and musical guest on Saturday Night Live. The appearance, following a surprise cameo the week prior during Ryan Gosling’s monologue, marked Styles’ second time hosting the demonstrate and his sixth performance factoring in his earlier days with One Direction. The night featured a monologue addressing recent speculation, sketches poking fun at current events, and, of course, a pair of musical performances.
From One Direction to Solo Stardom: A SNL History
Styles’ relationship with Saturday Night Live stretches back over a decade. He first appeared with One Direction in 2012, returning for musical guest spots in 2013 and 2014. He made his solo musical debut on the show in 2017, and then hosted for the first time during Season 45 in 2019. A quick cameo in a Season 46 cold open and last week’s monologue crash brought his total appearances to six before this latest stint. As Yahoo Entertainment noted, this marked his seventh time on the show.
Addressing the “Queerbaiting” Conversation
Styles opened his monologue by directly addressing recent online discussions surrounding his fashion choices and accusations of “queerbaiting.” He playfully responded to the criticism, questioning whether people truly knew anything about him. The monologue culminated in a kiss with cast member Ben Marshall, a moment that immediately sparked conversation online. The moment was a direct response to the ongoing debate, and Styles used the platform to acknowledge and address the topic head-on.
Sketch Highlights: From Gas Prices to Alternative Medicine
The night’s sketches covered a range of topical subjects. The cold open tackled rising gas prices with a darkly comedic scenario involving a family forced to make tough choices. Styles also appeared in a sketch parodying The Daily Wire’s conservative-leaning programming, titled “MAHAspital.” In the sketch, he played a doctor promoting Ivermectin as a cure-all, a nod to the controversial treatment often touted by right-wing media. Entertainment Weekly’s recap highlighted the sketch’s satirical take on alternative medicine.
Another standout sketch featured Styles as a prosecutor whose case is upended by the arrival of a charismatic public defender played by Marcello Hernández. The sketch played on Styles’ charm and comedic timing, as he attempted to mimic Hernández’s successful tactics. Kenan Thompson played the judge, adding to the comedic dynamic.
Musical Performances and a Surprise Guest
Styles performed two songs from his latest album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally, which was released just a week prior. He was introduced for his first performance by Ryan Gosling, a playful nod to Styles’ surprise appearance on Gosling’s show the previous week. Paul Simon, a legend who hosted SNL’s second episode over 50 years ago, introduced Styles’ second musical performance. USA Today reported on the significance of Simon’s introduction, highlighting the passing of the torch between generations of musical artists.
Weekend Update: Carlson’s Oscar Takes
The “Weekend Update” segment featured a guest appearance by Jeremy Culhane as Tucker Carlson, offering a predictably scathing critique of this year’s Oscar nominees. Carlson expressed a preference for classic films like Gone with the Wind and the early scenes of Forrest Gump, framing them as superior to contemporary contenders. Colin Jost responded with pointed commentary, highlighting the absurdity of Carlson’s views.
What’s Ahead for Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live will be back on April 4 with Jack Black hosting and Jack White as the musical guest. This continues the show’s 51st season, which has already featured a diverse lineup of hosts and musical guests, including Bad Bunny, Amy Poehler, Sabrina Carpenter, Miles Teller, and Ariana Grande. The show recently added 11 Emmy Awards to its shelf in September, bringing its overall tally to 112, solidifying its status as a television institution.