Tom Hanks kicked off the 2024 season finale of “Saturday Night Live” with an enthusiastic reception from the audience in Studio 8H. Donning his iconic Five-Timers Club jacket, Hanks introduced himself, humorously recalling how he created the esteemed club in December 1990 as a clever way to sidestep writing a monologue. He noted that the club has evolved into one of the most exclusive in the entertainment industry, before announcing a new member to be inducted that night.
Paul Rudd, a fellow member, joined Hanks onstage, cocktail in hand, playfully questioning who Hanks was addressing. In a lighthearted exchange, the duo welcomed Martin Short, who humorously acknowledged that he had known of his induction for some time. The trio then performed the “Secret Five-Timers Club Handshake,” highlighting the camaraderie shared among the club members.
The surprise continued as former “SNL” head writer Tina Fey joined the celebration, complimenting Short on his unique status in Hollywood. Current cast member Bowen Yang added humor by presenting a “Marty-tini,” a nod to Short’s charm and humor.
The gathering saw the arrival of other “SNL” alumni, including Alec Baldwin, who humorously referenced his numerous hosting gigs, and Scarlett Johansson, whose entrance took a comedic turn involving her husband, cast member Colin Jost. Former cast member Kristen Wiig added to the festivities in her characteristic quirky style.
As the celebration unfolded, club members started sharing amusing secrets, showcasing the lighthearted and unrestricted atmosphere of the evening. From Hanks’ famous COVID diagnosis to Johansson’s unexpected announcement, the exchanges were filled with laughter and camaraderie.
Melissa McCarthy and Emma Stone made surprise appearances, with McCarthy comically expressing her enjoyment of the event while later taking a tumble through a wall, making way for John Mulaney. In a heartfelt moment, former cast member Jimmy Fallon presented Short with his Five-Timers jacket, culminating in a joyful, unrehearsed celebration.
As the sketch concluded, all members proudly proclaimed, “Live, from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” setting an energetic tone for the finale, which featured Hozier as the musical guest.
This latest episode highlights the enduring legacy and light-hearted spirit of “Saturday Night Live.” As fans look forward to more surprises and laughter in the future, this gathering of comedic talents reminds us that humor and friendship continue to thrive in the show’s storied history.
In these times, laughter remains a unifying force, and events like this one foster connections among audiences, reinforcing the positive impact of comedy in brightening our lives.