Canadian actor Ryan Gosling made his fourth appearance as host on Saturday Night Live on March 7, 2025, bringing fresh energy to the iconic NBC sketch show while promoting his new film, Project Hail Mary. His return followed an already-viral birthday celebration for longtime partner Eva Mendes that occurred just days earlier.
Unexpected Guest Appearance by Harry Styles
The episode’s opening monologue quickly attracted attention as Ryan Gosling introduced a surprising guest seated prominently in the front row: British pop singer Harry Styles. Recently releasing his album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, Styles became a highlight during the monologue. At one point, Gosling sang a portion of Styles’ hit song Sign of the Times, while cast members gathered for a closer look at the Grammy Award-winning artist. The camera frequently shifted its focus onto Styles, often more than the host himself, underlining his unexpected role as a scene-stealer during the opening moments.
Ryan Gosling’s Iconic Character Breaks
One recurring trademark of Ryan Gosling’s hosting style on SNL is his tendency to lose composure and break character with uncontrollable laughter. This episode featured a particularly memorable example in the sketch titled Passing Notes. In the scene, Gosling portrayed a high school principal alongside Ashley Padilla as a teacher, both addressing student bullying. During the sketch, notes passed among students were humorously revealed to have been altered since rehearsal through on-screen captions, prompting frequent giggles and stifled laughter from both Gosling and Padilla. At one point, Gosling let out a distinctive high-pitched squeal in response to a joke about a character named Ken, adding to the light-hearted and unpredictable atmosphere of the performance.
Musical Performances by Gorillaz and Collaborators
The episode featured musical performances by the virtual band Gorillaz, whose presence marked a special occasion—their 25th anniversary—as well as the release of their latest album. They began with their well-known track Clint Eastwood, joined on stage by rapper Del the Funky Homosapien. Later, the group closed their set with the song The Moon Cave, performing alongside renowned musicians Anoushka Shankar, Asha Puthli, Jalen Ngonda, and Black Thought. The collaboration highlighted Gorillaz’s ongoing innovation and ability to blend diverse musical styles and artists.
Honoring SNL’s Influential Talent Manager
The broadcast concluded with a respectful tribute to Sandy Wernick, who passed away on March 5, 2025, at age 86. A title card appeared on screen, followed by a moment of silence before the closing credits. Wernick was widely recognized for his extensive career as a talent manager, particularly his partnership with Adam Sandler and instrumental role alongside Lorne Michaels in shaping Saturday Night Live’s enduring success. His legacy left a significant mark on the entertainment industry and the show’s development.
Looking Ahead: Harry Styles to Host and Perform Next Week
Hints dropped during this episode’s opening monologue confirmed that Harry Styles will return to Saturday Night Live as both host and musical guest on March 14, 2025. Fans can expect him to showcase tracks from his recently released fourth studio album, including the singles Aperture and American Girls, further underscoring his rising artistic prominence.
Maintaining Momentum With Memorable Moments
Ryan Gosling’s fourth SNL hosting stint not only showcased his comedic ability and natural charm but also underscored his growing influence as a familiar face on the show. Coupled with surprise appearances and engaging sketches, his return sustained the buzz generated by his recent personal celebration with Eva Mendes. Integrating music from Gorillaz and acknowledging industry veterans like Sandy Wernick, the episode blended entertainment with reflection, setting a thoughtful yet lively tone. With Harry Styles set to host next, the series continues to attract major stars, promising more noteworthy episodes ahead.
