Bringing Back More Comedians as 'SNL' Hosts: The Need of the Hour

Article Summary

Comedians are often better than Hollywood actors at hosting SNL, as they bring a real and engaging presence to their monologues.

When comedians host SNL, sketches tend to improve as they actively engage and contribute to the writing process, resulting in more enjoyable content.

SNL flourishes when comedy takes precedence over fame, giving lesser-known comedians the opportunity to create a lasting impact and deliver memorable performances.

Nate Bargatze, a relatively unknown comedian until October 28, received widespread recognition after his appearance as the host of Saturday Night Live. Although the Foo Fighters were more anticipated by many viewers, Bargatze's monologue quickly captivated the audience with his deadpan comedic style, regardless of whether they were familiar with his work or not.

Furthermore, several of Bargatze's sketches went viral due to their hilarious nature. This serves as further evidence that comedians often outshine Hollywood actors when serving as SNL hosts. Therefore, the show should prioritize featuring more comedic talent as hosts. Not only does this introduce audiences to exceptional performers, but it also leads to sketches that surpass those of other weeks.

A Comedian's 'SNL' Opening Monologue Is Better Than an Actor's

The opening monologue for Saturday Night Live can go two ways. One way is when a famous Hollywood actor takes center stage to promote their latest movie or TV show. However, despite being trained actors, their monologues often come across as wooden. They usually tell bland stories about their families while nervously reading from cue cards or relying on props. Sometimes, other cast members join them briefly, or the host asks planted audience questions. In some cases, there might even be a musical performance.

On the other hand, when a comedian hosts the opening monologue, it's a different story. They stand alone on stage with just a microphone, delivering their own routine. Whether you personally enjoy their style of comedy or not, their genuine and unscripted performance captivates the audience. Bargatze's opening monologue, for example, centered around his experiences as a middle-aged person and his childhood. If an actor had read those lines, it would have been awful, but Nate's deadpan delivery made it hysterical. This approach can be seen with other notable comedians like Dave Chappelle, who hosted SNL after the 2016 election and helped ease tensions through laughter. Louis C.K. was also known for his ability to make audiences cry from laughter without relying on vulgarities. While he may never return due to personal controversies, there are current guest hosts like John Mulaney who excel in their comedic performances. Ultimately, while the name of the host might draw viewers in, it's the comedian's talent that keeps us watching.

A Comedian's Approach Leads to Much Better Sketches on 'SNL'

Image via NBC

When certain Hollywood actors who struggle with live performances attempt an SNL monologue, it can be incredibly awkward. However, things only become worse when they participate in sketches. It becomes apparent when the host is unfit for the role as they often rely on reading lines off to the side instead of engaging with the other characters or the set. In these situations, it is the cast that carries the sketch, while the actor puts in minimal effort, almost like an unnecessary prop.

On the other hand, when a comedian hosts, their talent becomes the driving force rather than their fame. They are not mere bystanders but play a central role in the segment. The sketches also tend to improve, as if the comedian is actively involved in crafting them alongside the cast. A perfect example of this is John Mulaney, who is exceptional at this. Take his "Subway Churro" segment from 2022, for instance. It may be a peculiar musical, but it works remarkably well because Mulaney fully embraces it and makes it all feel genuine.

Nate Bargatze achieved viral success with a few of his sketches during his hosting stint. How many actors can claim that feat? Familiar faces from movies and TV often deliver predictable performances, but comedians have the ability to surprise. Among the many sketches, it was the one titled "Washington's Dream" that garnered the most buzz. In this simple yet captivating bit, Bargatze portrayed George Washington addressing his troops, envisioning a future America where weights are measured in pounds. He humorously highlighted the absurdity of the fact that we refer to 2,000 pounds as a ton but have no specific term for 1,000 pounds. He also poked fun at the seemingly random Fahrenheit temperature scale. Adding to the comedic effect, Bargatze engaged in delightful banter with Kenan Thompson. Despite Thompson's persistent inquiries about the treatment of Black people in the future, Washington stubbornly diverted the conversation towards ounces, gallons, and football, skillfully sidestepping the discomfort. Although the script alone might not have raised eyebrows, Bargatze transformed it into an instant classic by delivering his deadpan comedic style. Instead of reacting overtly, he masterfully found humor in his minimal reactions. This approach allowed him to present such ridiculous concepts with an air of normalcy, resulting in a truly memorable performance.

'SNL' Thrives When Comedy Is Put Before Fame

When multiple actors take turns hosting SNL, the opening monologue becomes the talk of the town. Whether it's a cast member impersonating Joe Biden, Donald Trump, or any other newsmaker, or a standout musical guest, or even an unexpected scene break, these are the elements that capture our attention. However, when it comes to praising actors for their performances, there are only a few exceptions like Tom Hanks or Steve Martin. On the other hand, there are individuals like Robert De Niro, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time but appeared awkward and stiff when he hosted the show. In recent years, the situation has deteriorated further, with hosts being selected based on their current popularity rather than their comedic skills. This leads to viewers tuning in simply because of the host's fame, whether they possess comedic talent or not.

SNL truly shines when the focus is on comedy rather than popularity. This is evident when a relatively unknown comedian leaves a lasting impression, surpassing even the Hollywood star with the number one movie. Such was the case with the sketch "Chef Show" featuring Bargatze. The plot revolves around Nate's character appearing on a cooking show with Ego Nwodim. They both compete against each other to create soul food for the Black hosts played by Kenan Thompson and Punkie Wilson. Interestingly, despite being the only white contestant, Nate surprises everyone by making the best soul food. He continually apologizes for his success, repeatedly saying "I'm sorry." Even when he is made a culture ambassador for Howard University, he humbly insists, "I'm honored, but please take this off me." His demeanor remains awkward and subdued, never cracking a smile. The sketch doesn't revolve around Nate, but rather the reactions of the other characters towards him. While many actors would try to make it about themselves, as they are trained to do, Bargatze cleverly allows the comedy to take center stage. His subtle approach elicits laughter from the audience in a remarkable way.

This is when SNL shines brightest. While having a well-known actor as a host can be thrilling, it is the presence of genuine comedy, embodied by a comedian who understands that laughter, not fame, is the priority, that brings us sketches that remind us why SNL gained its immense popularity. All the glam and extravagance are stripped away, and SNL returns to its roots as everyday individuals striving to make their audience laugh.

Catch fresh episodes of SNL airing on Saturday nights on NBC in the U.S., and also conveniently stream them on Peacock.

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Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of Saturday Night Live (SNL), I strongly believe that bringing back more comedians as hosts is a crucial step in revitalizing the show and elevating its comedic potential. The recent success of Nate Bargatze's hosting gig serves as a testament to the transformative impact that comedians can have on the show. His deadpan comedic style, engaging monologue, and hilarious sketches have left a lasting impression on audiences, proving that comedians possess a unique ability to captivate and entertain.

Moreover, comedians often bring a genuine and unscripted presence to the show, as seen in the performances of Dave Chappelle, Louis C.K., and John Mulaney. Their ability to connect with the audience through authentic storytelling and clever observations sets them apart from Hollywood actors, who often struggle to deliver natural and engaging monologues. Additionally, comedians actively contribute to the writing process, resulting in sketches that are more enjoyable and in tune with the show's comedic sensibilities. By prioritizing comedians as hosts, SNL can tap into a wealth of talent, introduce audiences to new performers, and consistently deliver unforgettable sketches that leave us in stitches.