Ryan Gosling will return as host of Saturday Night Live on March 7, with the British virtual band Gorillaz performing as the musical guest. This announcement was made by NBC, confirming Gosling’s fourth time hosting the iconic sketch-comedy show, where he is expected to promote his upcoming science fiction film Project Hail Mary, scheduled to premiere on March 20 in theaters.
Details on Gosling’s Previous Hosting Appearances
Gosling’s prior hosting roles on SNL include December 2015, September 2017, and most recently in April 2024. His debut episode aired on December 5, 2015, during Season 41, coinciding with the promotion of the drama The Big Short. That first show featured a memorable monologue alongside Canadian actor Mike Myers, who joked with Gosling about their shared Canadian heritage and politics.
During his initial appearance, Gosling participated in multiple sketches such as Close Encounter and Santa’s Helpers, portraying a devoted Santa fan alongside Vanessa Bayer and Kenan Thompson. His relaxed, self-aware humor and frequent breaks in character to laugh at his fellow cast members were widely praised.
Highlights from Subsequent Hosting Roles
On September 30, 2017, Gosling hosted the Season 43 premiere while promoting Blade Runner 2049. In his monologue, he humorously referred to the acclaim of La La Land, poking fun at critics who credit him with “saving jazz.” One standout moment from this episode was the Papyrus sketch, in which Gosling played a man obsessed with typography errors, particularly the misuse of the font from Avatar. He also revisited the Close Encounter sketch, impressing audiences with his ability to remain in character while clearly enjoying himself.
In April 2024, Gosling hosted again to promote the action-comedy The Fall Guy. This episode gained attention for a viral sketch inspired by Beavis and Butt-Head, where Gosling and Mikey Day portrayed two audience members whose appearance unintentionally disrupts a live event. The popularity of these characters led to Gosling reprising them at the film’s premiere. Fans and critics consistently highlight his charming habit of breaking character due to laughter during sketches, which adds a genuine feel to his performances.
Gorillaz to Make Their SNL Musical Debut
The animated British band Gorillaz, created by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, will appear as the musical guest on the March 7 episode of SNL. This will be their first time performing live on the show. The band is preparing to release their ninth studio album, The Mountain, on February 27 and will likely showcase tracks from that release during their set.
Broadcast Information and Upcoming Episodes
The March 7 installment will be broadcast live from Studio 8H in New York City at 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time on NBC. Viewers can expect another new episode to air the following week on March 14, although the host and musical guest for that show have yet to be announced.
The Ongoing Appeal of Ryan Gosling’s SNL Appearances
Ryan Gosling’s recurring role as a host for SNL demonstrates his strong connection to the show and its audience. Each of his appearances combines humor with a relatable personality, and his natural ability to break character adds a warm, authentic energy. With Gorillaz joining him for the March 7 episode, viewers can anticipate a unique night of entertainment blending comedy and cutting-edge music. This episode will likely boost anticipation for Gosling’s new film while introducing Gorillaz’s latest work to a broad audience.
