Jack Black, celebrated actor and musician, made a triumphant return to host Saturday Night Live (SNL) after an almost 20-year absence. His last hosting stint was in December 2005, but he has remained a prominent figure in both live-action and animated films. This time, Black took the stage to promote his latest project, A Minecraft Movie, which has quickly gained popularity.

Performance Highlights

During his fourth hosting appearance, Black showcased his trademark comedic flair, performing numerous sketches that were tailored uniquely to his style. His versatility was evident as he engaged in various roles, including:

• A parody of a dating show contestant emulating Indiana Jones.
• A cartoonist whose girlfriend, played by Heidi Gardner, kisses other men for her art at the end of World War II.
• A singer exploring the theme of first-time romance alongside cast members Sarah Sherman and Bowen Yang.
• A musician at an open jam session flooded with an overwhelming number of bassists.
• An ancient audience member witnessing the first-ever Greek play.

His sketches were more absurd than average, fitting perfectly with his physical comedy style, exemplified in a memorable parody for “Flaming Hot Preparation H.”

Musical Performances and Special Tributes

Musical guests included renowned artists Elton John and Brandi Carlile, who performed “Little Richard’s Bible” and “Who Believes in Angels?” respectively. In a heartfelt moment, the show honored the memory of actor Val Kilmer, who recently passed away, with a tribute card before the closing segment.

Cold Open and Sketch Overview

The episode opened with a sketch featuring James Austin Johnson as President Trump discussing the economy amid substantial stock market fluctuations. Johnson’s Trump character humorously suggested that tariffs are “Short for ‘Tariffic Idea,’” while expressing excitement about a fictitious initiative called MAGDA (Make America Great Depression Again). The cold open also included Mike Myers as Elon Musk, presenting a satirical look at Tesla vehicles capable of self-vandalism.

Returning to Black’s hosting, he lightheartedly commented on his lengthy absence by pretending to quit the show before launching into an energetic rendition of Aerosmith’s “Back in the Saddle,” engaging with the audience and creating an exhilarating atmosphere.

Notable Sketches

Best Sketch: Gothic Vacations

One standout sketch featured a comedic performance where a goth character on vacation contrasts with cheerful vacationers. Jack Black’s unexpected appearance dressed as a goth figure while singing a parody of My Chemical Romance’s “The Black Parade” added a humorous twist that delighted audiences.

Commercial Parody: Flamin’ Hot Takes

A clever commercial parody combined Chester Cheetah and a pitchman for Flamin’ Hot Preparation H. This sketch exemplified the increasing competition in hot sauce products, ending with a comedic climax that left viewers amused.

Weekend Update Highlights

The episode’s Weekend Update segment was particularly lively, with Ego Nwodim delivering a memorable performance. In response to the cancellation of Amber Ruffin at the White House Correspondents’ dinner, she proposed to host instead. Her stand-up routine, embodying the character Ms. Eggy, engaged the audience in a way that resulted in a spontaneous moment where they yelled out an expletive, catching the cast off guard.