Josh O’Connor’s “SNL” Debut Fails to Ignite, Spotlight Shines on Bowen Yang and Lily Allen
A first-time hosting appearance is often a defining moment for a celebrity on “Saturday Night Live,” a chance to either solidify their comedic presence or reveal why live sketch comedy isn’t their forte. British actor Josh O’Connor, known for his roles in “The Crown,” “Challengers,” and “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” unfortunately fell into the latter category during his December 9th hosting gig, leaving almost no discernible mark on the show.
O’Connor, while appearing game throughout the evening, was largely relegated to supporting roles, blending into sketches rather than commanding them. He portrayed the Tin Man in a reimagined “Wizard of Oz” sketch—a segment that focused on male characters’ desires—a fellow student alongside Bowen Yang’s 12-year-old college prodigy, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in a “Actors on Actors” parody, and an awkward brunch attendee.
The actor did take on a few lead roles, including a “Dating Game” parody with Ashley Padilla, a hospital sketch as an inept intern, and a scene with Ben Sherman as sensitive male strippers at a bachelorette party. However, these portrayals failed to resonate, only briefly coming to life when O’Connor shared kisses with fellow cast members Yang and Sherman at the close of sketches.
In fact, the episode felt more like a showcase for Yang—who excelled as the Wizard, a fast-talking doctor, and the aforementioned college student—and musical guest Lily Allen. Allen’s performances of “Sleepwalking” and “Madeline,” songs from her new album detailing a breakup with David Harbour, were particularly compelling. A surprise appearance by Dakota Johnson during “Madeline” added an unexpected layer of drama. Another Allen song, “West End Girl,” inspired an entire sketch centered around cast members sharing their feelings to the tune of the music, with Allen herself appearing as a waitress.
It remains unclear whether the material simply didn’t suit O’Connor’s strengths or if he is ill-suited for the demands of “SNL,” but the episode’s most memorable moments largely occurred independently of his performance. A Christmas-themed “Brad and His Dad” animated short also aired during the broadcast.
The show opened with a cold open featuring a familiar face: James Austin Johnson’s consistently sharp impression of former President Donald Trump. According to reports, Johnson delivered a stream-of-consciousness ramble aboard Air Force One, attributed to exhaustion by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt (Ashley Padilla). “I took an Ambien and an Adderall, let’s see which one wins,” Trump reportedly said before making an inappropriate comment about Leavitt’s lips and dismissing concerns about affordability, stating, “Economy is very strong, from the billionaires all the way down to the poor millionaires.” The sketch culminated in a visual gag involving Santa Claus and his reindeer being shot down from radar.
O’Connor’s monologue centered around two aspects of his public persona: his reputation as a “soft boy” – someone who enjoys traditionally feminine hobbies like embroidery and gardening – and his resemblance to the Pixar character Linguini from “Ratatouille.” He jokingly expressed his eagerness to play Linguini in a live-action adaptation, stating, “For what it’s worth, I would kill as Linguini.”
The standout sketch of the night revolved around Spotify’s “Wrapped” year-in-review feature. The mock commercial cleverly tapped into the anxieties surrounding data tracking and fast-food consumption, highlighting the potential embarrassment of discovering one’s Uber Eats habits. The sketch humorously suggested the possibility of being labeled “52 and Fat” based on one’s ordering history.
Another well-received sketch featured Sherman and O’Connor as empathetic male strippers who prioritized consent and emotional connection. The scene, set at a bachelorette party, included a poignant moment where one stripper broke down in tears while contemplating the Supreme Court.
‘Weekend Update’ delivered a strong segment, with Jane Wickline offering a violent song about the dangers of grown-up child actors from “Stranger Things.” However, Marcello Hernández stole the show with a hilarious recounting of Christmas traditions in his Cuban family, including navigating the scrutiny of new boyfriends. He humorously recalled his father’s habit of impersonating various characters—Santa Claus, Spider-Man, and even “SNL” executive producer Lorne Michaels—during phone calls.
Ultimately, Josh O’Connor’s “SNL” debut was a quiet one, overshadowed by the stronger performances of his castmates and musical guest, leaving viewers wondering what might have been.
