Scarlett Johansson Helps ‘SNL’ Close Out Its 50th Season with Humor, Heart, and a Hint of Chaos

NEW YORK — “Saturday Night Live” wrapped up its landmark 50th season not with a bang, but with a warm, reflective, and slightly chaotic finale led by none other than Scarlett Johansson.

Marking her seventh time hosting — the most ever for a female host — Johansson brought a sentimental flair to the show’s closing moments, blending classic sketch comedy with heartfelt tributes, musical parodies, and a few wild surprises.

A Musical Monologue to Mark the Moment

Opening the show, Johansson delivered a standout monologue — not in the form of a typical stand-up routine, but through a group performance parodying Billy Joel’s “Piano Man.” Joined by cast members Bowen Yang, Ego Nwodim, Mikey Day, and Heidi Gardner, she sang:

“Sing us a song, it’s your monologue, the 50th season is through. It’s lasting forever, we did it together, and we got to spend it with you.”

The song looked back on the season’s biggest moments: an election year, an anniversary special, and a star-packed celebration. True to form, Johansson even teased a surprise guest, dramatically declaring, “Ladies and gentlemen, Billy Joel!” — before quickly walking it back with, “…wrote this song.”

No Departures, Just Jokes — Or So We Thought

Unlike past finales, this one didn’t include tearful goodbyes — no cast departures were officially announced. But that didn’t stop the team from poking fun. The musical number jokingly claimed that cast member Sarah Sherman was leaving, catching even her off guard.

“It’s been a great season and Sarah is leaving, we’re all gonna miss you next year!” the cast sang. “Wait, what? Did you guys hear something?” a shocked Sherman replied.

Jost and Che Keep the Tradition — and the Roasts — Alive

As always, “Weekend Update” brought the edgy humor fans expect. Co-anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che continued their season-finale tradition: writing inappropriate jokes for each other to read live on air.

Che couldn’t escape one of his past gags about Johansson, Jost’s wife. This year, Jost got payback — forcing Che to bring Johansson out on stage and apologize for once comparing a part of her anatomy to “Costco roast beef.”

Jost, meanwhile, had to tackle one of the hot questions surrounding SNL’s future — whether he might succeed 80-year-old creator Lorne Michaels someday.

“Lorne, retire, bitch! Let me run the show,” Jost joked, reading a line Che had written for him.

Behind-the-Scenes Skits Go Off the Rails

The night also featured a couple of wild pre-recorded sketches.

In one of the more risqué digital shorts, Johansson’s character confesses her crush on Bowen Yang — only to discover he’s not gay after all, but has been pretending “for the clout.” Things spiral as she finds out he’s also been hooking up with Nwodim, Gardner, and surprise guest Emily Ratajkowski.

Another sketch, produced by the comedy trio Please Don’t Destroy, placed Johansson on a luxurious first-class flight with the group — a parody that quickly devolved into hip-hop video absurdity. The fun comes crashing down when they realize they’re landing at Newark Airport, prompting panic.

Adding to the chaos? Musical guest Bad Bunny, making a hilarious cameo as a lone air traffic controller on his first day.

Trump Finds Love in the Cold Open

As expected, James Austin Johnson opened the show with his fan-favorite Donald Trump impression. This time, Trump’s bizarre quest led him to “find love” — with none other than Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Johnson’s Trump even broke the fourth wall, addressing the audience directly:

“It’s the ‘SNL’ finale, season 50 — worst one yet! See you again in the fall if we still have a country. It’s a coin toss.”

A Season Full of Nostalgia, Guest Stars, and Future Questions

The 50th season of “Saturday Night Live” was a nostalgic ride that celebrated the show’s long legacy while navigating today’s chaotic cultural and political climate. It brought in big-name hosts, musical guests, and even speculation about the show’s future leadership.

Scarlett Johansson’s hosting — blending heartfelt reflection with her trademark comedic timing — was the perfect capstone for a season that often felt like a love letter to the show’s history, chaos and all.

As the cast sang their final notes and the studio lights dimmed, one thing was clear: after 50 seasons, SNL still knows how to surprise us — and leave us wanting more.

Source: AP News – Scarlett Johansson brings 50th season of ‘SNL’ to a low-key close