Scarlett Johansson first hosted Saturday Night Live (SNL) on January 14, 2006, during season 31. Since that inaugural appearance, she has become a recurring and beloved presence on the show, showcasing her comedic talents and range through various sketches and impersonations.
Scarlett Johansson’s Hosting History on SNL
Scarlett Johansson’s relationship with SNL extends far beyond a single hosting gig. Her appearances have become a staple, often coinciding with her film releases or other major career moments. Understanding her complete hosting history provides a valuable context for appreciating her comedic contribution to the show.
The Debut: January 14, 2006 (Season 31, Episode 11)
This initial appearance marked the beginning of Johansson’s SNL journey. The musical guest was the rock band Death Cab for Cutie, and the episode featured sketches that showcased her ability to embrace physical comedy and character work. This episode cemented her as a host with potential for future appearances.
Subsequent Hosting Appearances
Johansson went on to host several more times, each appearance building on her comedic repertoire:
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March 24, 2007 (Season 32, Episode 16): Musical guest: Björk. This episode further established Johansson’s ability to play off other cast members and deliver memorable performances.
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November 11, 2010 (Season 36, Episode 6): Musical guest: Arcade Fire. This episode saw Johansson delve into more topical and political humor, demonstrating her adaptability.
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May 2, 2015 (Season 40, Episode 18): Musical guest: Wiz Khalifa. During this appearance, Johansson showcased her experience and confidence, handling live comedy with seasoned skill.
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March 11, 2017 (Season 42, Episode 14): Musical guest: Lorde. This episode was particularly notable as it coincided with discussions surrounding her role in the film Ghost in the Shell and its casting controversy, which was indirectly addressed in a few sketches.
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May 11, 2019 (Season 44, Episode 20): Musical guest: Niall Horan. This was her last time hosting before her marriage to SNL cast member Colin Jost.
Special Appearances and Cameos
Beyond hosting, Johansson has also made cameo appearances on SNL, often to support her husband, Colin Jost, or to participate in special segments. These cameos further solidify her connection to the show and its cast. One notable instance was her brief appearance as Ivanka Trump during the cold open.
Standout Sketches and Performances
Scarlett Johansson’s time on SNL is marked by several memorable sketches that have resonated with audiences.
Memorable Performances
Some of Johansson’s most memorable performances include her impersonations of celebrities and characters. She has a knack for capturing the essence of her subjects, resulting in hilarious and often spot-on portrayals. Whether it’s her understated delivery or her commitment to physical comedy, Johansson consistently delivers standout performances.
Key Sketches
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“The Science Room”: This recurring sketch features Bill Hader as Mr. Science, and Johansson often played a student who asks increasingly bizarre and inappropriate questions.
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“Black Widow: Age of Me”: This parody trailer, featuring a rom-com version of Black Widow, was a viral sensation and highlighted Johansson’s ability to self-deprecate and embrace comedic absurdity.
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“Melania & Ivanka”: A sketch where Johansson portrayed Ivanka Trump, showcasing her impersonation skills and satirizing the Trump family dynamic.
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Sketches involving her personal life are also usually received well due to their comedic approach.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Scarlett Johansson’s SNL History
To further clarify and provide more in-depth information about Scarlett Johansson’s appearances on SNL, here are some frequently asked questions:
FAQ 1: How many times has Scarlett Johansson hosted SNL?
Scarlett Johansson has hosted Saturday Night Live a total of six times. These hosting appearances have solidified her status as a recurring and beloved figure within the SNL community.
FAQ 2: What is Scarlett Johansson’s connection to SNL beyond hosting?
Beyond hosting, Scarlett Johansson is married to SNL head writer and “Weekend Update” anchor, Colin Jost. This connection has led to numerous cameo appearances and inside jokes, further integrating her into the SNL family.
FAQ 3: Did Scarlett Johansson ever appear on “Weekend Update”?
Yes, Johansson has appeared on “Weekend Update” multiple times, often as herself, to engage in humorous banter with Colin Jost or to play a character relating to a news item. Her appearances are typically lighthearted and add a personal touch to the segment.
FAQ 4: Has Scarlett Johansson won any awards for her SNL performances?
While Scarlett Johansson has not personally won an Emmy Award specifically for her SNL hosting performances, the show itself has won numerous Emmys throughout its history, including during the seasons she hosted.
FAQ 5: What is considered Scarlett Johansson’s most memorable SNL sketch?
While subjective, the “Black Widow: Age of Me” sketch is widely considered one of her most memorable. Its clever parody of romantic comedies and its use of the Black Widow character resonated with a large audience, contributing to its viral success.
FAQ 6: Did Scarlett Johansson’s SNL appearances ever coincide with controversies related to her career?
Yes, her March 11, 2017, hosting appearance coincided with controversy surrounding her role in the film Ghost in the Shell. While the show didn’t directly address the “whitewashing” allegations, some sketches subtly alluded to the discussion.
FAQ 7: What musical guests have performed during Scarlett Johansson’s hosting appearances?
Scarlett Johansson’s hosting appearances have featured a diverse range of musical guests, including Death Cab for Cutie, Björk, Arcade Fire, Wiz Khalifa, Lorde, and Niall Horan. These artists represent a wide spectrum of musical genres, adding to the variety of each episode.
FAQ 8: Is it possible Scarlett Johansson will host SNL again?
Given her ongoing relationship with Colin Jost and her established history with the show, it’s certainly possible that Scarlett Johansson will host SNL again in the future. The timing would likely depend on her availability and any upcoming projects she might be promoting.
FAQ 9: Are there any SNL digital shorts featuring Scarlett Johansson?
Yes, in addition to live sketches, Scarlett Johansson has appeared in several SNL digital shorts. These shorts offer a different format for comedic expression and often feature pre-recorded segments that allow for more elaborate visuals and storytelling.
FAQ 10: How does Scarlett Johansson’s hosting style compare to other celebrity hosts?
Scarlett Johansson is known for her versatility and willingness to embrace diverse comedic roles. Her ability to blend into various sketches, coupled with her genuine enthusiasm for the show, sets her apart. She’s neither overly reliant on impressions nor afraid to commit to physical comedy.
FAQ 11: Where can I watch Scarlett Johansson’s SNL episodes?
Scarlett Johansson’s SNL episodes are typically available for streaming on platforms like Peacock (NBC’s streaming service). Individual sketches can also be found on YouTube and other video-sharing websites. Older episodes may require a subscription to access.
FAQ 12: How has Scarlett Johansson’s presence on SNL evolved over time?
Scarlett Johansson’s presence on SNL has evolved from that of a relatively new host to a seasoned veteran. Her early appearances showcased her potential, while her later appearances demonstrated her confidence and comedic timing. Over time, she has become more integrated into the SNL family, both on and off-screen. Her contributions have solidified her place as a memorable and appreciated figure in the show’s history.