The iconic stages of Saturday Night Live have played host to some of the most unforgettable moments in television history. From Eddie Murphy’s raw, unbridled energy to Tina Fey’s spot-on impressions, the show has consistently delivered unforgettable performances that leave us in awe. As the longest-running sketch comedy show, SNL has become an institution, with its influence extending far beyond the walls of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
The SNL Hosting Wish List: A-List Celebrities We Want to See
As Saturday Night Live wraps up its milestone 50th season on May 17 with Scarlett Johansson returning to host for the seventh time, it’s surprising how many high-profile celebrities have never hosted NBC’s sketch-comedy series, even after all these years.
Unrealized Potential: Celebrities Who’ve Never Hosted
Brad Pitt: The Actor’s Hidden Comedic Side
Brad Pitt, the Oscar winner for Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019), has graced the stage of SNL three times, but always as a surprise cameo and never as a host. Pitt’s first appearance occurred in 1998, where he played a therapist who helped former cast member David Spade cope with his new hosting gig. Pitt then lent his voice to a “Peanuts Christmas” cartoon sketch in 2002. And in 2020, he popped up during a COVID-inspired “SNL at Home” edition, in which he portrayed Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Despite his surprise cameos, Pitt has never hosted SNL due to his limited availability. However, his comedic side is undeniable, and his potential as a host could bring a fresh dynamic to the stage.
The implications for his future in comedy are vast, as Pitt has already proven his range in films like Ad Astra and Interview with the Vampire. With his ability to play complex characters, Pitt’s hosting gig could be a memorable one.
Carol Burnett: The Variety Legend Who’s Yet to Appear
Carol Burnett, the legendary actress and comedian, has yet to set foot on Studio 8H. Her influential variety series The Carol Burnett Show helped pave the way for SNL, but she has yet to make an appearance.
The reason behind her absence lies in a reported feud between Burnett and Lorne Michaels. Michaels allegedly dismissed her show as being too old-fashioned and full of “hacky laughs,” and he hated when its actors would crack up on camera. The feud has been ongoing for decades, but here’s hoping Burnett and Michaels can patch things up, and soon.
The practical aspects of a possible reconciliation are vast. Burnett’s comedic genius could bring a new level of humor to SNL appearance, and her legendary status could attract a new audience to the show.
Denzel Washington: The Oscar Winner Who’s Never Contributed
Denzel Washington, the Oscar winner for Glory (1989) and Training Day (2001), has never hosted SNL, nor has he contributed in any sort of capacity.
Perhaps Washington has been too busy making Oscar-winning dramas to appear on the show. But his comedy skills shouldn’t be discounted, particularly since he’s starred in light-hearted fare like Much Ado About Nothing (1993), 2 Guns (2013), and The Preacher’s Wife (1996) through the years.
In 2013, cast member Jay Pharoah went viral for playing Washington on the show, and years later, Washington allegedly told him, “You owe me a lot of money! I’m keeping you hot.”
The implications for his future in comedy are vast, as Washington has already proven his ability to play complex characters. His hosting gig could bring a new level of humor to the show.
The Ones Who’ve Almost Been There
Harrison Ford’s dry sense of humor is on display in every episode of Shrinking, so when will the beloved actor take his talents to SNL? After making it big with feature film franchises like Star Wars and Indiana Jones, perhaps Ford thought it’d be a step down in his career to appear on the small screen.
But those days are long behind him, as evidenced by his current TV roles on Shrinking and 1923. Ford’s 1923 costar Helen Mirren hosted SNL in 2011, so maybe she can give him a little nudge.
Leonardo DiCaprio has actually had an on-screen cameo on SNL before. The memorable moment happened midway through Jonah Hill’s 2014 monologue, after Hill was joking that he was the true star of The Wolf of Wall Street, and that DiCaprio wasn’t even supposed to be in that movie.
“What the hell are you doing, man?” DiCaprio asked Hill on live television. “What did we say about acting like a big shot in public like this?”
A year later, DiCaprio won an Oscar for The Revenant (2015). Perhaps it’s time for him to take the stage as a host.
Meryl Streep made her first-ever appearance on SNL during the show’s 50th anniversary special in February 2025. The three-time Oscar winner for The Iron Lady (2011), Sophie’s Choice (1982), and Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) popped up as the mother of Kate McKinnon’s Miss Rafferty character, who frequently gets abducted by aliens.
“Us Rafferty gals, we always attracted the freaks,” Streep declared. “For years, I thought Colleen’s father was part alien, but it turns out he was just uncircumcised.”
The veteran actress broke character several times during the sketch, leaving McKinnon struggling to keep a straight face. Perhaps it’s time for Streep to take the stage and show off her comedic chops.
Leonardo DiCaprio: From Cameo to Potential Host
Leonardo DiCaprio has actually had an on-screen cameo on SNL before. The memorable moment happened midway through Jonah Hill’s 2014 monologue, after Hill was joking that he was the true star of The Wolf of Wall Street, and that DiCaprio wasn’t even supposed to be in that movie.
“What the hell are you doing, man?” DiCaprio asked Hill on live television. “What did we say about acting like a big shot in public like this?”
Analysis of his memorable 2014 cameo
This brief appearance showcased DiCaprio’s ability to poke fun at himself and his public image. It’s surprising that he’s never hosted SNL despite his Oscar win for The Revenant (2015).
Discussion on why he’s never hosted, despite his Oscar win
DiCaprio’s absence from SNL may be due to his intense dedication to his craft and his tendency to choose projects that are challenging and meaningful to him. He may not have had the opportunity to host SNL due to his busy schedule and the demands of his film career.
Practical aspects of a possible future hosting gig
If DiCaprio were to host SNL in the future, it would likely be a highly anticipated and entertaining episode. He has already demonstrated his comedic chops in his cameo appearance, and his presence would undoubtedly bring a new level of excitement and star power to the show.
Harrison Ford: The Beloved Actor Who’s Yet to Appear
Harrison Ford’s dry sense of humor is on display in every episode of Shrinking, so when will the beloved actor take his talents to Saturday Night Live?
Ford’s comedic roles and dry sense of humor
After making it big with feature film franchises like Star Wars and Indiana Jones, perhaps Ford thought it’d be a step down in his career to appear on the small screen. But those days are long behind him, as evidenced by his current TV roles on Shrinking and 1923.
Why he’s never hosted SNL, despite his iconic status
Ford’s absence from SNL may be due to his busy schedule and the demands of his film career. He may not have had the opportunity to host SNL due to his commitments to other projects and his desire to focus on his acting work.
Implications for his future in comedy
If Ford were to host SNL in the future, it would likely be a highly entertaining and memorable episode. His dry wit and comedic chops would bring a new level of humor and charm to the show, and his presence would undoubtedly be a hit with audiences.
The Late Bloomers
Meryl Streep: The Three-Time Oscar Winner Who’s Finally Arrived
Meryl Streep made her first-ever appearance in the program during the show’s 50th anniversary special in February 2025. The three-time Oscar winner for The Iron Lady (2011), Sophie’s Choice (1982), and Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) popped up as the mother of Kate McKinnon’s Miss Rafferty character, who frequently gets abducted by aliens.
Analysis of her 2025 SNL debut
Streep’s appearance was a testament to her ability to adapt to any role or situation. Her unique blend of wit, charm, and comedic timing made her a natural fit for the show.
Discussion on why she waited so long to appear
Streep’s absence from SNL may be due to her busy schedule and the demands of her film career. She may not have had the opportunity to appear on the show until now due to her commitments to other projects and her desire to focus on her acting work.
Practical aspects of her future involvement with the show
If Streep were to appear on SNL again in the future, it would likely be a highly anticipated and memorable episode. Her presence would undoubtedly bring a new level of excitement and prestige to the show, and her comedic skills would be a welcome addition to the cast.
Scarlett Johansson: The SNL Veteran Who’s Still Going Strong
Scarlett Johansson is a beloved fixture on SNL, having hosted the show seven times. Her return to host for the seventh time is a testament to her enduring popularity and her ability to adapt to any role or situation.
Analysis of her seven hosting appearances
Johansson’s hosting appearances have been consistently well-received by audiences and critics alike. She has a natural charm and charisma that makes her a pleasure to watch, and her comedic timing is impeccable.
Discussion on why she’s such a beloved fixture on the show
Johansson’s absence from SNL may be due to her busy schedule and the demands of her film career. She may not have had the opportunity to host the show as frequently as she would have liked due to her commitments to other projects and her desire to focus on her acting work.
Implications for her future in comedy
If Johansson were to continue hosting SNL in the future, it would likely be a highly entertaining and memorable episode. Her presence would undoubtedly bring a new level of excitement and prestige to the show, and her comedic skills would be a welcome addition to the cast.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the article highlights a curated list of A-list celebrities who would make exceptional hosts on Saturday Night Live (SNL), including Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, and eight other talented individuals. The main arguments presented focus on the potential of these celebrities to bring a fresh dynamic to the show, leveraging their charisma, talent, and popularity to create memorable episodes. The article discusses the significance of SNL as a cultural institution, providing a platform for comedians, actors, and musicians to showcase their skills and connect with a wide audience.
The implications of this topic are significant, as the right host can make a substantial difference in the show’s ratings, cultural relevance, and overall impact. By featuring A-list celebrities, SNL can attract new viewers, reignite interest in the show, and provide a platform for these stars to showcase their comedic talents. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, the importance of SNL as a cultural touchstone remains unchanged. The show’s ability to adapt to changing times, while maintaining its signature irreverence and humor, is a testament to its enduring appeal. As we look to the future, it will be exciting to see which celebrities will take on the hosting role and how they will contribute to the show’s legacy.
As we consider the potential of these A-list celebrities to host SNL, we are reminded of the show’s power to shape cultural conversations, challenge societal norms, and provide a platform for creative expression. The right host can inspire a new generation of comedians, actors, and writers, while also paying homage to the show’s rich history. As we await the next season of SNL, one thing is certain: the show’s ability to surprise, provoke, and entertain will continue to make it a beloved institution in American television. With its unique ability to capture the zeitgeist, SNL will undoubtedly remain a cultural force to be reckoned with, and its choice of hosts will be a key factor in shaping its continued success and relevance.