Being praised as a potential full-time cast member is one of the top compliments a guest host on Saturday Night Live can receive, whether that acclaim comes from insiders or the audience. Although it’s a rare honor, it might not be as uncommon as one might expect. A prime example often cited—by those who are part of the show’s crew, not just the fans—is Justin Timberlake. Sure, Timberlake really threw himself into his hosting duties, but let’s be honest, his episodes were tailored to showcase his talents; it’s unlikely he’d be making fun of his own pop-star persona every week if he were a regular. Imagine if “Omeletville” wasn’t performed by Timberlake—it might just seem tacky. Even if we gave Timberlake a less glamorous role, like a clumsy sketch about a UPS employee caught on camera mishandling packages, he’d still give it his all. But could it really stand up to Melissa McCarthy’s take on the same sketch this week?

Indeed, successful stints as an SNL host generally revolve around highlighting the host’s strengths and personal flair. It’s not like McCarthy is just filling in generic roles; her fierce, yet restrained anger in the UPS sketch is right in her wheelhouse, just as much as her comedic interpretation of a woman misunderstanding a free cheese sample at a supermarket as an overture of deep connection.

However, McCarthy’s background in improv comedy, notably with The Groundlings, seems like it was tailor-made for SNL. It almost feels like a historical oversight that she wasn’t on the show alongside contemporaries like Kristen Wiig around the time of Bridesmaids. Instead, McCarthy spent years as a character actress and sitcom star, which, in hindsight, seems like an odd detour. Her film career, with memorable minor roles in movies like Go and Charlie’s Angels, became a reward in itself. When she hosts SNL, she doesn’t just recycle old characters; she delivers fresh, impeccable performances. Judging by this week’s show, it might have been her best hosting gig yet.

This episode felt particularly lively because it didn’t just hammer away at typical McCarthy roles. It started with familiar sketches, including a physical comedy-driven monologue and the hilarious supermarket cheese scene, but as the show progressed post-Update, McCarthy seamlessly integrated with the ensemble. She wasn’t the main focus of the hilarious Truth or Dare sketch featuring Southern moms, nor was she the lead in a comedy music video, instead sharing more screen time with Bowen Yang in a sketch about a Yonkers-based pseudo-couple. McCarthy isn’t just funny; she’s also showcasing serious acting chops, a step up from previous appearances that leaned heavily on slapstick.

Almost everything in this episode was a hit. There’s an old saying: If the weakest sketch of the night involves Melissa McCarthy tossing a live bat into a house for revenge, you’re definitely having a good night. This episode not only argues that McCarthy could have been a star on SNL at any point in her career but also highlights how special it is to have her drop by and energize the show.

Highlights of the Night

There was plenty to enjoy: McCarthy’s performance in the cheese sample sketch, which had the audience both sympathizing and laughing. Bowen Yang correcting someone with a straight face that Yonkers is a village, not a town, was a standout. The comedic timing and dynamic among the women in the Truth or Dare sketch was spot-on, building up the humor patiently. But the highlights for me were the sketch about Sunday supper featuring Andrew Dismukes and the music video for “Cousin Planet.” Dismukes excels at portraying social awkwardness, and the escalation in the sketch was brilliantly executed.

“Cousin Planet” was a clever collaboration between Jane Wickline and Veronica Slowikowska, filled with relatable holiday weirdness about family dynamics. The video struck a nice balance between quirky and endearing, showcasing Wickline’s unique comedic voice, which stands out even among seasoned sketch performers.

What Didn’t Quite Work

The UPS sketch might have felt too familiar, even though it was well-received. The “Kindness” pre-taped sketch, portraying McCarthy as a lonely older woman trying too hard to create a touching holiday scene, also felt a bit derivative, recalling a similar setup with Billie Eilish and Kate McKinnon. While these sketches were still entertaining, they perhaps lacked the originality of the rest of the episode.

Standout Performer

While McCarthy was undoubtedly the star, newer cast members like Ashley Padilla, Jeremy Culhane, and Veronica Slowikowska also had memorable moments, particularly in the cheese sketch and “Cousin Planet.”

Looking Ahead

Next, we’ll see Josh O’Connor make his SNL hosting debut, which seems like a perfect fit, and Lily Allen will return as the musical guest, 18 years after her first appearance—a reminder of the show’s long and storied history.

Additional Thoughts

• I wasn’t familiar with Dijon before this episode, but his performances added a warm vibe that complemented the overall positive atmosphere.
• It’s intriguing how the format of SNL can sometimes enhance a performer’s appeal, as seen with Veronica Slowikowska, whose previous independent work didn’t quite predict how well she’d do on the show.
• The segment on Update with Ben Marshall might have stretched a bit too far for a joke about how easily redheads get sunburned.
• Despite some of her less acclaimed films, McCarthy’s comedic talent remains undeniable, as evidenced yet again in this latest hosting stint.

Jesse Hassenger is a contributor to The A.V. Club.

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Avery Sandridge

Avery Sandridge has an unmatched love for storytelling and the screen. From detailed analyses of your favorite shows to behind-the-scenes scoops, Avery offers a fresh and engaging take on everything TV series.