Harry Styles’ SNL Return: Sketches, Music & Trump Cold Open Highlights
Harry Styles returned to Studio 8H this weekend, hosting Saturday Night Live for the second time and, in the process, deftly sidestepping a recurring narrative about “queerbaiting.” The episode, arriving as Styles promotes his new album, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.,” showcased his growing comfort with sketch comedy and a willingness to poke fun at the scrutiny surrounding his public persona.
It’s been over six years since Styles first hosted SNL, a significant gap filled with starring roles in films like “Don’t Worry Darling” and “My Policeman,” and the release of multiple albums. This evolution from boy band member to established actor and musician clearly informs his stage presence, allowing him to navigate the demands of live television with a polished ease. The timing of his return also coincides with a busy weekend in Hollywood, with many actors in town for the Oscars, adding another layer of industry buzz to the reveal.
A Monologue Addressing the Narrative
Styles directly addressed the “queerbaiting” accusations during his monologue, a moment that felt both self-aware and subtly defiant. He acknowledged the attention paid to his clothing choices and the speculation surrounding his personal life, responding with a playful, “Maybe you don’t realize everything about me, dad.” This line, delivered with characteristic charm, seemed to acknowledge the conversation without fully engaging in it, effectively deflecting the criticism while maintaining a sense of mystery. He also joked about spending his time off from touring taking up “boring things, like jogging,” even mentioning completing a marathon in Berlin – a feat that generated significant attention in the running world.
Sketch Highlights: From Courtrooms to Cruise Lines
The sketches themselves were a mixed bag, but Styles consistently delivered, showcasing his versatility. A standout was the courtroom sketch featuring comedian Sebastian Maniscalco (played by Mikey Hernandez), whose exaggerated portrayal of the comedian’s mannerisms proved consistently hilarious. The sketch, which involved a defendant and a distracted prosecutor (Styles), allowed Maniscalco’s character to steal the scene with a series of rambling, tangential observations. Another well-received sketch parodied HBO Max’s “The Pitt,” rebranded as “Mahaspital,” a satirical take on alternative healthcare practices. Styles played a doctor advocating for treatments like steak and raw eggs, leaning into the show’s absurdist humor.
Other sketches included a Target clothing line promotion where Styles played himself, and a send-up of St. Patrick’s Day with “She’s an Irish Dancer.” While some sketches, like those set in a Best Buy and a White Castle drive-thru, didn’t land as strongly, they were often elevated by the performances of his co-stars, particularly Jane Wickline and Veronika Slowikowska in the White Castle skit.
Musical Performances and Cold Open Commentary
Styles performed his new single, “Dance No More,” following an introduction by Ryan Gosling, a nod to Gosling’s recent hosting gig where Styles playfully crashed his monologue. Paul Simon also made a surprise appearance to introduce Styles’ second song, “Coming Up Roses.”
The show’s cold open tackled the ongoing conflict in Iran with a darkly comedic sketch centered around a family at a gas station. The sketch, featuring James Austin Johnson as Donald Trump, used the rising gas prices as a jumping-off point for political satire, referencing the Epstein files and making pointed jabs at current events. The sketch also included a reference to Timothée Chalamet’s recent comments about ballet and opera, which sparked controversy online.
What’s Next for Styles?
With “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.” now released, Styles’ immediate focus will likely shift to touring. While specific dates haven’t been announced, a full-scale tour is anticipated, building on the momentum generated by the album and his recent SNL appearance. The success of the album and his continued presence in both music and film suggest a sustained career trajectory that extends beyond his pop star origins. His ability to navigate complex public narratives, as demonstrated by his handling of the “queerbaiting” accusations, will undoubtedly be a key factor in maintaining his position as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.