Irish actor Paul Mescal made his highly anticipated debut as host on Saturday Night Live on December 7, charming both the audience and viewers at home with his comedic timing and musical flair. Known primarily for his dramatic roles, Mescal embraced humor throughout the episode, starting with a monologue that playfully highlighted his lack of comedy credits by showcasing a reel of his emotional performances, primarily consisting of scenes in which he cried.
The episode featured a variety of sketches, including a memorable musical segment where Mescal, in character as Lucius from Gladiator II, delivered an impressive performance while dramatically wielding a sword. His ability to tap into his musical talent added an unexpected layer to his hosting debut.
The cold open of the episode was an exciting return of Dana Carvey’s Church Lady, who sat down with David Spade dressed as Hunter Biden alongside other notable cast members. The comedic atmosphere continued with a musical parody titled “Pirates,” a new short from the Please Don’t Destroy trio called “Paul Mescal Is Daddy,” and a lively performance of “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” featuring Musical Guest Shaboozey, which got the audience singing along.
Throughout the episode, Mescal used his time to address several playful cultural references, including a humorous take on Irish attire in his opening monologue, rousing laughter when he debunked the myth of kilts being part of Irish culture, instead asserting that short shorts are the traditional garb.
Sketch highlights included various comedic scenarios, including an outrageous earring reveal sketch showcasing parents losing their calm over their son’s new accessory, and a lighthearted rivalry in an Italian restaurant commercial between Mescal and co-star Ashley Padilla, both vying for attention with pun-filled banter.
The show capped off with a sketch that had Mescal impressively impersonating Bono, alongside Chloe Fineman’s Timothée Chalamet and James Austin Johnson’s Bob Dylan, showcasing his versatility and willingness to engage in a comedic spirit.
Paul Mescal’s debut on SNL not only entertained audiences but also demonstrated his latent comedic chops, hinting at exciting future roles where he might blend humor and drama alike, reminding fans why a multifaceted talent like him continues to captivate audiences. This episode underscores a hopeful synergy in the entertainment industry where actors can successfully pivot genres, further enriching their artistry and audience engagement.
Exuding charm and humor, Mescal’s performance suggests that he might be on a new path, one that promises to bring more laughter in addition to his poignant roles.