Oscar-winning actress Mikey Madison made her much-anticipated debut as the host of Saturday Night Live, marking a significant milestone in her career. Known for her intense, dramatic performances—especially in Anora—this was an opportunity for Madison to showcase a different side of herself. While the episode had its moments, it also highlighted her inexperience in comedy, making for an interesting, if uneven, night.
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A Promising Start with a Personal Touch
Madison kicked off the show with a monologue that balanced humor and self-reflection. A montage of her past roles—including two separate instances of her characters literally being set on fire—played on-screen as she reassured the audience that, in real life, she’s far more laid-back. She shared an amusing story from her past as a self-described “horse girl,” even revealing the elaborate backstory she invented for her horse. Adding a personal touch, her twin brother made a surprise appearance, giving the audience a glimpse into her off-screen life.
An Underutilized Host?
While Madison was eager and committed, the show did not fully capitalize on her presence. She mostly played supporting roles in sketches rather than taking center stage. Although she did feature more prominently in a few moments—such as the “So Like … What Are We?” sketch, where she played a game-show host interrogating her romantic interest—her comedic timing sometimes leaned more toward dramatic intensity than humor.
A teaser clip released before the show had hinted at more Anora-related material, with cast member Sarah Sherman pitching an “Anora Fedora.” Madison’s reaction—grinning through gritted teeth while asking, “You guys will have other ideas, right?”—was both hilarious and endearing. However, the show ultimately avoided leaning into her recent Oscar win, possibly missing an opportunity to mine humor from it.
Memorable Moments and Standout Sketches
Despite being in the background for much of the episode, Madison fully committed to every role she played. Her performances included:
A teenager caught in the wrong group chat during the cold open.
A reckless daredevil who attempted (and failed) to jump into a pool from a balcony.
A dedicated acting student in Marcello Hernández’s class.
A mob wife in a classic SNL crime drama parody.
A digital short appearance in Please Don’t Destroy, where she confidently embraced a head-to-toe Squidward costume—even though the rest of the sketch fizzled out after transitioning into a SpongeBob parody.
Her ability to immerse herself in each character was evident, even if comedy isn’t her natural domain.
A Strong Episode with Standout Performances
While Madison may not be a natural comedian, her dedication and enthusiasm were clear. The episode itself was carried by the strength of the cast, with Bowen Yang and Andrew Dismukes delivering standout performances. Madison, meanwhile, gave it her all and seemed to genuinely enjoy the experience.
Hosting SNL is no small feat, and Madison can now check it off her list—right after winning an Oscar. Whether or not comedy is in her future, she stepped out of her comfort zone and gave fans a chance to see a different side of her. Now, after a whirlwind few months, she deserves a well-earned break.
