The iconic and groundbreaking late-night sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live debuted on October 11, 1975 with stand-up comedian George Carlin kicking off the soon-to-be pop culture phenomenon. One of the best television shows in history, SNL was created by Lorne Michaels (who is currently eyeing his retirement from the show) with the purpose of parodying contemporary politics and pop culture, and it truly did deliver. For over 45 years now, SNL has brought laughter and comfort to the masses, introducing the world to famous characters and talented cast members. While some seasons and casts shine brighter than others, the show itself has remained a staple and continues serving up some serious comedy.

Hosting the beloved show is the pièce de résistance for any star’s career, with the appearance often propelling them to further fame (or infamy), depending on if they bomb or knock it out of the park. With so many gifted performers taking the hallowed stage, it’s a daunting task picking out just who’s the funniest. Certain hosts have been adored but only hosted once, as the late and beloved Betty White had.

Updated November 2nd, 2022: To keep this article fresh and up-to-date, additional content and fan-favorite SNL hosts have been added.

Other hosts have been Saturday Night Live alumni, returning for hosting duties, but it’s more fascinating to delve into the other countless guest hosts that have passed through those famed doors. With the show continuing going strong for now, let’s take a look at some of the funniest hosts of Saturday Night Live.

12 Jon Hamm

Jon Hamm as Don Draper in Mad Men
AMC

Mad Men star Jon Hamm first hosted Saturday Night Live back in 2008 for its special Halloween episode, and it came as a shock to many how utterly dynamic the dramatic actor was in a comedy setting. Known for his critically acclaimed role as advertising exec Don Draper in Mad Men, Hamm hilariously shined on stage with many memorable sketches, famously appearing as a spokesman for “Jon Hamm’s John Ham” (lunch meat you eat on the toilet, naturally) and the sexy saxophonist Sergio. Hamm’s success as a first-time host led to him returning to SNL two more times, and he has made frequent cameos as either himself or his original characters.

Hamm’s most entertaining sketches to date include the Michael Bublé featured “Hamm and Bublé,” the live action “The Ambiguously Gay Duo” skit, and his spot-on impression of actor James Mason at Vincent Price’s Halloween party. He effortlessly ups the energy of the cast and brings charisma and charm to every sketch he’s in.

11 Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

Dwayne Johnson hosting Saturday Night Live
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The charming and larger-than-life movie star Dwayne Johnson became a part of the prestigious Five-Timers Club in 2017, cementing his status as a knockout SNL guest host with the epic honor. Having first made his appearance on the iconic Studio 8H stage in 2000, Johnson quickly showed viewers he had no problem getting goofy and poking fun at himself. One of his most famous and universally-loved sketches is without-a-doubt "The Rock Obama", in which the former wrestler portrays the anger-prone alter ego of Barack Obama (Jay Pharoah), a persona who appears when the president got upset by the Congressmen.

From singing about being "Franchise Viagra" to poking fun at his WWE career, Johnson is charismatic in every skit he stars in. The actor memorably appeared as a gun-wielding, cigar-loving Bambi in the uproarious "New Disney Movie" and delivered plenty of laughs as the meathead boyfriend of a British babe (Cecily Strong) in "Anniversary Date", hilariously ordering 200 onion rings as the dim-witted duo crashes another couple's anniversary dinner. Johnson's comedic timing and likable personality make him a natural SNL host.

10 Jim Carrey

SNL Cold Open Takes on Trump Vs. Biden Debate with Alec Baldwin and Jim Carrey
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Slapstick comedy legend Jim Carrey’s ties with Saturday Night Live began long before he first served as host in 1996, having auditioned for the show in 1980 and two more times in the ensuing decade. Despite never becoming a featured player, Carrey would go on to host in 1996, 2011, and 2014 in highly praised and sidesplitting performances. For his first go at Studio 8H, Carrey made quite the splash as a ridiculous Jacuzzi lifeguard, appearing with SNL great Will Ferrell. He also famously portrayed Jimmy Stewart on the Jim Breuer-driven Joe Pesci Show, with cast member Mark McKinney impersonating Carrey. The comedian wasn’t afraid to mock himself and his zany antics and larger-than-life personality was front-and-center.

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When Carrey returned to SNL 15 years after hosting in '96, he hilariously spoofed Black Swan by dressing up as a ballerina and starred as singer Diversity in a collection of the worst performances from Soul Train. His most recent appearance included a Carrey family reunion and an awkward Halloween office party, and in 2020 the funnyman memoraby took over as President Joe Biden during the election.

9 Emma Stone

Emma Stone on Saturday Night Live
NBCUniversal Television and Streaming

The endearing and delightful Emma Stone is another phenomenal guest host of SNL, with the Academy Award-winning actress having taken on the exciting duty four times so far. Showcasing her winning wit and lovable personality, Stone emerged as an irresistible host when she wowed viewers by spoofing The Amazing Spider-Man 2 with her then-boyfriend and co-star Andrew Garfield, with the pair serving up a hilariously cringe-worth kiss while reenacting the film. The actress was able to pay homage to SNL legend Gilda Radner and her beloved recurring character Roseanne Roseannadanna for the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special in 2015, donning the instantly recognizable get-up.

Stone went on to charm audiences with sketches like "The Christmas Candle", in which she sings alongside Kate McKinnon and Aidy Bryant in the funny '80s-inspired musical number, and as a sexy poster girl distracting Pete Davidson with her "fat, shiny hotdog" as he attempts to do his homework. When she hosted for the fourth time in 2019, the actress poked fun at the Five Timers Club in her monologue by attempting to get the cast to still do nice things for her despite being one episode short of joining.

8 Christopher Walken

SNL Cowbell Sketch Ruined Christopher Walken's Life Claims Will Ferrell
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What does SNL need? More cowbell! The highly-renowned Christopher Walken is one of the most popular guest hosts of all time, having hosted seven excellent times (though, strangely, not for 14 years). Leaning into his perceived oddness and weird persona, Walken's arguably most iconic and quoted performance was a spoof of Behind the Music, featuring a recording session of Blue Öyster Cult's song “(Don’t Fear) the Reaper.” Walken plays their passionate and off-kilter record producer who just can’t get enough of the cowbell.

The acting chameleon also famously appeared in the Will Ferrell and Rachel Dratch helmed “The Luvahs” skit, the A View to a Kill parody “Lease with an Option to Kill” opposite Phil Hartman, and the recurring SNL sketch “The Continental,” in which Walken plays a smooth but creepy ladies’ man. The actor had so many legendary performances that a DVD titled The Best of Christopher Walken was released, compiling his greatest performances on the hit sketch show. Walken reached the exclusive Five-Timers Club in 2001 and earned an American Comedy Award that same year for his appearances.

7 Candice Bergen

Candice Bergen on SNL
NBC

The first woman to ever host Saturday Night Live, decorated television superstar Candice Bergen appeared in seven episodes, beginning in the show’s premiere season. The Murphy Brown star proved she could have easily been a cast member and truly helped set the bar for all future SNL hosts, with her confidence and wit shining bright. Bergen ruled the show during the ‘70s, having starred in brilliantly hilarious skits like “Right to Extreme Stupidity” with Gilda Radner and “Consumer Probe” in her 1976 hosting gigs.

Her effervescent on-screen persona and strong debut in '75 led her to become the first host to be asked to do a second show, and she was also the first woman to join the Five-Timers Club in 1990. The actress confirmed the wild backstage antics of the show during an appearance on Andy Cohen’s Watch What Happens Live, revealing cast members enjoyed smoking marijuana and doing cocaine before hamming it up on stage.

6 John Goodman

John Goodman on SNL
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Providing hosting duties a jaw-dropping 13 times, The Conners star is essentially Saturday Night Live royalty, having appeared first in 1989 to most recently in 2013. His willingness to do anything for a laugh and a smile endears him to viewers and makes him so much fun to watch. Throughout the years, John Goodman has appeared in myriad funny and famous skits, such as Linda Tripp in the “Lewinsky-Tripp Phone Chat,” “Wilford Brimley’s Liberty Medical,” and die-hard “da Bears” fan Pat in “Bill Swerksi’s Superfans.”

Goodman actually auditioned for SNL for then-executive producer Jean Doumanian during the tumultuous 1980-1981 season and was rejected, along with Jim Carrey, Robert Townsend and Paul Reubens. Regardless, the talented actor left his mark on the show and is one of the most adored guest hosts of all time.

5 Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks Hosts SNL At-Home Episode, Watch His Opening Monologue
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America’s sweetheart and acting legend Tom Hanks has an impressive 10 hosting gigs under his belt, starting with his first back in 1985. He appeared in the show’s first remotely filmed episode in April 2020 amidst the pandemic, and even among the chaos of that season he brought the charm. Hanks has also made a guest appearance on SNL 10 times and in 2017 was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for it. With an SNL hosting resume spanning 35 years, Hanks has starred in countless giggle-worthy skits and reminded viewers that he got his start in Hollywood through comedy.

His impersonation of Michael Caine in “The Nights of the Realm,” Jeff Morrow in “Mr. Short Term Memory,” and “The Five-Timers Monologue” stand out from his long list of skits. The latter sketch ushered Hanks into the exclusive club and features cameos from Paul Simon, Steve Martin, Jon Lovitz, Conan O’Brien, and Elliot Gould. Hanks' wholesome delivery makes him a fan favorite on the show.

4 Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake to Headline Super Bowl 2018 Halftime Show

Music heavyweight Justin Timberlake made his Saturday Night Live debut back in 2003, appearing in two memorable sketches that would kick off a longtime relationship with the show. He gleefully spoofed Ashton Kutcher and his show Punk’d and iconically co-starred in the skit titled “The Barry Gibb Talk Show” alongside friend Jimmy Fallon, portraying Bee Gees brothers Barry and Robin Gibb. From that point on, Timberlake would be a familiar face at Studio 8H, going on to host four more exciting times. He fits right in with the cast and crew and truly commands the attention of the audience.

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Timberlake would frequently team up with comedy mastermind Andy Samberg in countless skits, most famously “Mother Lover,” “D–k in a Box,” and as Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” backup dancers with Bobby Moynihan, with the trio sporting unitards and heels. The superstar brings charm and charisma to the show and truly brings the house down with each hosting gig.

3 Melissa McCarthy

What Does Sean Spicer Think of Melissa McCarthy's SNL Impression
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Actress and comedian extraordinaire Melissa McCarthy is fully committed to bringing the funny, and she’s consistently done so during her numerous duties on SNL. Her first gig was in 2011, and she memorably kicked off the show in “Taste Test,” a sketch that had her lathering herself with Hidden Valley ranch dressing. From that moment on, McCarthy was a Saturday Night force to be reckoned with and would go on to host four more times, becoming a member of the “Five Timers Club” in less than a decade. The talented star was nominated for an Emmy five times for her appearances, winning in 2017.

McCarthy made surprise cameos on SNL when she portrayed the outrageously exaggerated former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, shoving giant wads of gum in her mouth and riding around on a motorized podium. Her other adored sketches include the professional pizza eater Barb Kelner and the bubbly Nanell on the Million Dollar Wheel. It’s no surprise McCarthy thrives on the show, as she is an alumna of the improv comedy troupe The Groundlings.

2 Alec Baldwin

Trump's Latest SNL Tweet Has Alec Baldwin Worried for His Family's Safety
NBC

Currently the record-holder for the most Saturday Night Live hosting gigs with 17, Alec Baldwin always brings the heat when he takes the iconic stage. He made his debut back in 1990 and hasn’t slowed down since, not only hosting but also appearing dozens of times as former President Donald Trump. His impersonation was met with critical acclaim and in 2017 it earned him a Primetime Emmy Award. It’s difficult to imagine a time when Baldwin wasn’t an SNL staple, as he’s been associated with the show for over 30 years.

Aside from his spot-on Trump impersonation, Baldwin has starred in a slew of ludicrously entertaining skits that remain some of the show’s finest. From the iconic Schweddy Balls (which inspired its own Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor) to the classic Canteen Boy, Baldwin has given his heart and soul to bringing these characters and sketches to life.

1 Steve Martin

Steve Martin on Saturday Night Live
NBCUniversal Television

Few comedians are as timeless and adored as Steve Martin, and his illustrious Saturday Night Live hosting repertoire is no different. The funnyman made his debut back in 1976 and in doing so would introduce audiences to delightfully absurd characters that would truly stand the test of time. Among his best performances are the skits “King Tut,” one half of the Festrunk Brothers (A.K.A the “Wild and Crazy Guys”), and his long-standing comedic “feud” with Alec Baldwin, as they battle it out for most times hosted.

SNL’s audience increased by one million viewers when he made his guest appearances, and he is undisputedly one of the show’s most successful hosts. Martin was such a significant presence on the show that many people assumed he was once a cast member, as he appeared 27 times in addition to his hosting duties.

During his hosting gigs, Martin developed strong bonds with the cast members, specifically Gilda Radner. He hosted on the night she passed away from ovarian cancer, and the visibly emotional Martin honored the late SNL alum by featuring footage of him and Radner dancing in a sketch from 1978. The tearful star said, “The thing that keeps bringing you back to the show is the people you get to work with. I'd like to show you something that we recorded on this stage in 1978.” Martin’s effortless humor, charm and infectious personality makes him one of the funniest hosts of Saturday Night Live.