Irish actor Paul Mescal made a memorable debut as the host of Saturday Night Live on December 7, demonstrating his comedic chops alongside his musical talents. Known primarily for his dramatic roles, Mescal humorously acknowledged his lack of comedy history during his monologue, which featured amusing clips of him crying from various performances. However, he proved he can deliver laughs, particularly with a musical sketch where his character, Lucius from Gladiator II, showcased an impressive sword-swinging number.
The episode kicked off with a cold open featuring Dana Carvey’s iconic Church Lady, who was joined by former SNL cast member David Spade portraying Hunter Biden. The sketch was filled with humor, setting the tone for a night packed with laughs, including other highlights like a playful musical number titled “Pirates” and a short from Please Don’t Destroy, titled “Paul Mescal Is Daddy.”
Throughout the night, Mescal engaged with the audience while addressing some playful stereotypes about the Irish, joking about their supposed penchant for wearing “short shorts” instead of kilts. Other sketches included a quirky take on a local Italian restaurant commercial and a hilarious skit about parents spiraling out of control over their son’s new earring.
The energy of the evening was enhanced by musical guest Shaboozey, who had the audience singing along to his performance of “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” Additionally, Mescal delighted viewers with sketches that showcased everything from an ill-fated legal consultation to an impression of Bono, proving that he can harness his dramatic background to bring both depth and humor to his performances.
This debut on SNL not only marks a new chapter for Mescal as a versatile performer but also leaves viewers excited about future projects and potential comedic endeavors. His transition from drama to comedy highlights the power of versatility in acting and opens up possibilities for more actors to explore various genres in their careers. With this performance, Mescal has reinforced the idea that it’s never too late to discover and showcase new talents.
Overall, Paul Mescal’s first outing on SNL was a successful blend of humor, music, and charm, promising that his career will continue to evolve in exciting ways.