Glen Powell SNL hosting debut arrived on November 15 with anticipation and a sense of unfinished business, as the actor shared how his path to Studio 8H had been delayed for years. The Top Gun: Maverick star revealed during his opening monologue that he had originally been tapped to host in 2021 to coincide with the movie‘s release, but shifting schedules due to the pandemic changed his plans.
Powell recounted that the opportunity was postponed when Top Gun: Maverick was rescheduled for a later debut in theaters. He explained how Lorne Michaels delivered the news personally and did not hold back in sharing his reasoning.
“Top Gun got delayed because of COVID, so SNL had to take their offer back,”
Glen explained.
“Lorne Michaels literally called me and said, ‘Without Top Gun’—and these are his words—‘no one will know who the F you are.’”
— Glen Powell, Actor
This candid revelation set the tone for an episode marked by humor and self-awareness as Powell owned the twists that led to his SNL moment.
Redemption and a Promise Kept
Powell shared a personal anecdote about accidentally celebrating his SNL hosting gig before it was guaranteed, revealing how he told a local UPS delivery driver the big news as soon as he got the call. Excited and optimistic, he took a selfie with the driver and his family, unaware of the unanticipated wait ahead.
After the original date was nixed, the actor joked about the lingering repercussions.
“For four years this UPS driver was going around saying Glen Powell is a liar,”
he continued.
“So now I’m here hosting. It feels amazing, but what feels even better is proving to this UPS driver that I am not crazy.”
— Glen Powell, Actor
Bringing the story full circle, Glen’s sisters managed to track down the UPS driver, Mitch, inviting him to New York City for the live show. On stage, Glen, his family, and Mitch took another selfie together, celebrating not just a professional achievement but a promise honored in a uniquely public way.
“I had to wait my entire life, plus four years, to be here,”
Glen declared.
“But if I have learned anything, it is that the best things in life don’t happen overnight—and no one knows that better than UPS.”
— Glen Powell, Actor
Powell’s History with SNL and a Playful Cameo
The long-awaited Glen Powell SNL hosting debut was not his first brush with the show. Earlier in 2024, he made a surprise appearance during Sydney Sweeney’s hosting turn, which jokingly referenced rumors of a romance between the Anyone But You co-stars. As Sydney cleared the air, she insisted,
“Me and my fiancé produced the movie together, and he was there the entire shoot,”
she said, referring to then-fiancé Jonathan Davino.
“He even came here tonight to support me. Can we cut to him?”
— Sydney Sweeney, Actor
Instead, cameras panned to Powell in the audience, adding another laugh to SNL’s history of playful, self-referential humor. Sydney continued,
“That’s not my fiancé, He’s in my dressing room!”
— Sydney Sweeney, Actor
These lighthearted moments underscored the atmosphere surrounding Powell’s hosting debut—a blend of anticipation, payoff, and affection for the traditions of Saturday Night Live.
Highlights from SNL’s Most Unforgettable Hosts
Powell now joins an illustrious group of SNL hosts, each bringing their own flair and influence on the show’s enduring appeal. Saturday Night Live, an NBCUniversal institution, has seen many memorable faces over the decades—each contributing standout sketches, running gags, or unexpectedly viral moments.
Kim Kardashian’s Take on Family and Pop Culture
When Kim Kardashian took the SNL stage, the reality star found humor in personal moments involving Kanye West, O.J. Simpson, and Kourtney Kardashian’s public romance with Travis Barker. Her performance peaked in an Aladdin-themed sketch opposite Pete Davidson, which sparked a real-life romance lasting nine months.
Tom Hanks Brings Warmth and Comedy in Uncertain Times
Tom Hanks, known as “America’s Dad,” has hosted SNL ten times, including the landmark first remote episode filmed during the coronavirus pandemic in April 2020. His portrayal of David S. Pumpkins remains a fan favorite, and his steady presence delivers both laughs and reassurance during challenging periods.
Jon Hamm Stuns with Unexpected Comedic Talent
Jon Hamm impressed both cast and viewers with his lively and surprising comedic performances since his 2008 hosting debut. His “Jon Hamm’s John Ham” sketch and transformation into Ace for the Ambiguously Gay Duo adaptation cemented his status as a host beloved by SNL regulars and fans alike.
Melissa McCarthy’s Fearless Commitment
Melissa McCarthy’s turn as host in 2011 showcased her willingness to do anything for a laugh—most clearly demonstrated in the “Taste Test” sketch, where she doused herself in Hidden Valley ranch dressing. Her recurring appearances as a fiery Sean Spicer during the Trump era further solidified her reputation for bold comedic choices and made her a member of the Five-Timers Club.
Justin Timberlake: Musical Talent with Comedic Flair
Justin Timberlake’s multiple hosting gigs have brought singalong sketches like “Omletteville,” “D–k in a Box,” and “Barry Gibb Talk Show,” drawing him close to the cast and making him nearly a full-time member in spirit. As one of Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” backup dancers alongside Bobby Moynihan and Andy Samberg, Timberlake’s performances transcended music and comedy.
Steve Martin Sets the Standard for Recurring Hosts
Legendary comedian Steve Martin has occupied Studio 8H sixteen times between 1976 and 2009, developing iconic characters like the “wild and crazy” Festrunk Brothers and King Tut. Beyond humor, Martin delivered emotional moments on the show, notably when recalling a touching dance with Gilda Radner after her passing.
Scarlett Johansson’s Recurring Impact
Since her 2006 debut, Scarlett Johansson—or ScarJo as she’s affectionately known—has returned six times, offering unforgettable portrayals. Whether filling Ivanka Trump’s shoes or appearing alongside Kate McKinnon in “Shud the Mermaid,” Johansson has continued to leave a mark on the SNL stage. She’s also known for her onscreen partnership with Fred Armisen and her offscreen romance with Colin Jost, anchoring her in the SNL community.
Betty White Delights as a Fan-Favorite Host
The late TV icon Betty White became SNL’s oldest host at 88, following a successful Facebook campaign from fans wanting her to host after her role in The Proposal. Her comedic timing shone in a sketch where Tina Fey’s census taker tried, without success, to get a straight answer from White, proving age is no barrier to quick wit or audience adoration.
Dwayne Johnson Delivers Iconic Sketches
Dwayne Johnson, a member of the Five-Timers Club, left a lasting impression with his “The Rock Obama” character. This unique mix of power and approachability cemented his place on the list of standout SNL hosts.
Alec Baldwin’s Lasting Connection to SNL
Alec Baldwin has hosted a record 17 times, making countless appearances as former President Donald Trump and in classic sketches like “Canteen Boy” and “Schweddy Balls.” His skill with impressions, including Tony Bennett, has given the SNL cast and audience plenty to look forward to during his many visits.
The Significance of Powell’s Hosting and SNL’s Tradition
Glen Powell’s SNL hosting debut stands as both a personal milestone and a nod to SNL’s longstanding tradition of turning real-life curveballs into memorable live comedy. His redemption story involving the UPS driver Mitch, and the episode’s energetic spirit, echoed the themes that have defined NBC’s sketch comedy institution for decades. With each host—whether Kim Kardashian, Tom Hanks, or Steve Martin—Saturday Night Live continues to capture the unpredictable, often redemptive nature of live television, where personal stories and pop culture meet in a unique blend seen nowhere else. As the show moves forward, Glen Powell’s journey from cancellation to celebration is sure to become one of those backstage anecdotes future hosts will be excited to top.
