SNL: Harry Styles’s Debut Tackles Epstein, Trump & Irish Dancing
Saturday Night Live continued its recent upward trajectory this weekend with an episode hosted by Harry Styles, who too pulled double duty as musical guest. The show deftly navigated topical humor, particularly around the recently released Epstein files, while also showcasing Styles’s surprisingly adept comedic timing.
The cold open immediately tackled the news cycle, but in a departure from recent weeks, eschewed a direct political press conference parody. Instead, the sketch opened on a family road trip derailed by soaring gas prices, directly attributed to “The Epstein Files.” This setup allowed for the entrance of James Austin Johnson’s reliably sharp Donald Trump impersonation. Trump, predictably, attempted to connect the dots between the files and the economic woes, invoking a “butterfly effect” that led, in his telling, to war. He quipped, “It’s going one direction: down!” referencing the stock market, drawing a comparison to the popularity of Harry Styles.
The sketch didn’t shy away from the more outlandish theories circulating regarding Trump’s motivations, subtly referencing the idea that he’s attempting to distract from his own involvement in the Epstein saga. Johnson’s Trump also took aim at Ashley Padilla, a cast member, with a particularly pointed, and arguably uncomfortable, aside about her appearance. The moment, while eliciting laughs, felt somewhat out of step with the show’s generally more pointed political satire.
The introduction of Colin Jost as Pete Hegseth, a recurring character on the show, provided a welcome dose of absurdity. Hegseth, emerging from the back of the family’s car in comically oversized shoes (a detail reportedly mirroring a real-life quirk of Trump’s), attempted to downplay the severity of the conflict in Iran, claiming the Strait of Hormuz was “wide open” despite the presence of “water mines.” Jost’s portrayal of Hegseth continues to be a highlight, demonstrating a surprising knack for caricature.
Styles proved a capable host, displaying a natural drollness throughout the night. His monologue touched on his music, fashion choices, and the peculiar experience of living a public life. He addressed accusations of “queerbaiting” with a self-aware shrug, suggesting that perhaps his personal life is simply not fully understood by others. The monologue culminated in a kiss with Ben Marshall, a moment that generated a noticeable reaction from the audience.
Several sketches showcased Styles’s versatility. In one, he played a prosecuting attorney opposite Sebastian Maniscalco, portrayed by Marcello Hernández, as a public defender relying on nostalgia-based comedy. The sketch highlighted Hernández’s impressive Maniscalco impression and revealed Styles’s own aptitude for physical comedy. Another sketch, set in a White Castle drive-thru, featured Styles as a high school quarterback fielding awkward advances from two classmates. While the sketch didn’t fully land, it allowed Styles to demonstrate his willingness to embrace silliness.
The recurring “Weekend Update” segment featured a return appearance from Ryan Gosling, who introduced Styles’s first musical performance. The segment also included a particularly biting grab on Tucker Carlson, portrayed by Jeremy Culhane. While Culhane’s vocal impression was spot-on, the sketch’s characterization of Carlson felt somewhat dated, failing to acknowledge his recent shifts in political positioning and criticisms of traditional conservative figures. The sketch leaned into a portrayal of Carlson as a staunch defender of the status quo, a characterization that doesn’t fully reflect his current public persona.
A sketch centered around a fictional German cruise line, “Sparkle of the Sea,” proved to be one of the weaker offerings of the night. The sketch relied heavily on exaggerated accents and over-the-top costumes, failing to generate consistent laughs. Similarly, a sketch involving a Target collaboration, “Harry for Him,” felt somewhat underdeveloped, relying on predictable jokes about gender roles and fashion.
Styles’s musical performances were well-received, providing a welcome change of pace from the sketch comedy. The episode concluded with a music video tribute to St. Patrick’s Day, featuring Styles and his crew joining a group of Irish step dancers.
the episode was a solid outing for . Styles proved to be a charming and capable host, and the show’s willingness to tackle topical issues, even with a light touch, was commendable. SNL appears to be building momentum after a period of inconsistency, and this episode suggests a promising future for the show.