Nikki Glaser Shines as First-Time Host on ‘Saturday Night Live’

Nikki Glaser made her debut as the host of Saturday Night Live on March 16, 2024, showcasing her unique brand of boundary-pushing comedy. Known for her standout performance on “The Roast of Tom Brady” and her acclaimed special “Someday You’ll Die,” Glaser’s hosting was highly anticipated given her rapid rise in the stand-up comedy scene.

Glaser’s experience as a comedian served her well during the show. Her ability to deliver edgy jokes aligned seamlessly with the current tone of SNL, which often features provocative humor and irreverent sketches. The episode opened with Glaser’s monologue, where she tackled various topics, including race, politics, and humor surrounding sensitive subjects. Although her material was typical of her stand-up, some of the jokes did not resonate as strongly in the sketch comedy format.

Among the sketches, Glaser starred in a piece about family karaoke that pushed the envelope of comfort, along with a commercial parody featuring adults obsessively collecting life-sized American Girl dolls. The absurd musical number involving a mechanical bull and Glaser’s interactions with cast member Sarah Sherman proved to be a highlight. Another notable sketch involved a humorous advertisement for a fictional drug tied to Jennifer Hudson, which showcased her comedic versatility.

While some sketches fell flat, such as the “Beauty and Mr. Beast” mashup, Glaser’s comedic instincts shone through in her performances. Notably, a sketch featuring a chatty pilot, portrayed by James Austin Johnson, who provided entertaining flight announcements, received positive reviews, largely due to Johnson’s impeccable delivery.

Standout Moments and Musical Features

The episode also featured a segment on Weekend Update with guest Pete Davidson, who humorously discussed his ownership of the Staten Island Ferry. Davidson’s commentary provided a light-hearted take on the challenges of ownership while hinting at his personal life, including upcoming fatherhood.

The musical guest for the evening was Sombr, who performed tracks “12 to 12” and “Back to Friends,” adding to the episode’s dynamic atmosphere.

Glaser’s lengthy monologue, while not as tightly woven as some might expect, reflected her comedic style. She began by referring to New York City as “Epstein’s original island” and focused on the absurdities of modern life, including the challenges of dating and societal issues. Despite some weaker moments, her overall performance resonated well with the audience.

The episode closed with a sweet animated short titled “Brad and His Dad,” which explored the relationship between a divorced father and his video game-obsessed son. This touching segment contrasted with the more outrageous sketches and highlighted the range of content SNL is known for.

Overall, Nikki Glaser’s inaugural hosting of Saturday Night Live was a blend of her signature humor and the show’s longstanding format. While not every joke landed perfectly, her ability to engage the audience and push comedic boundaries affirmed her status as a rising star in the entertainment industry.