SNL's Star-Studded Cold Open Declared "Best in Show History" by Fans!

The latest installment of Saturday Night Live (SNL) made waves with a cold open that fans are hailing as “legendary,” featuring a dazzling array of iconic personalities.

Hosted by the incomparable Martin Short for the fifth time, this special Christmas edition showcased a remarkable lineup of past SNL hosts. At 74, the star of *Only Murders in the Building* now joins an elite group of celebrities who have hosted SNL five times, creating a massive buzz among fans and pop culture enthusiasts alike.

Opening the show was none other than Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks, who donned a robe emblazoned with the number five. He humorously recounted the origin of the prestigious SNL 5 Timers Club, which he founded in 1990 as "an ingeniously lazy way to avoid writing a monologue." This exclusive club has evolved into a hallmark of comedy achievement.

He was soon joined by heartthrob Paul Rudd and the night’s host, Martin Short. The star-studded cast continued to grow as Short was introduced to fellow club members: the brilliant Tina Fey, the ever-charismatic Alec Baldwin (sporting a 17 on his jacket), the stunning Scarlett Johansson, the hilarious Kristen Wiig, the multi-talented Melissa McCarthy, the fantastic Emma Stone, and the witty John Mulaney.

In a playful jab at his close friend and co-star Steve Martin—who was absent from the night—Short seamlessly blended humor with nostalgia, especially when Hanks referenced a cocktail called “The Marty-tini.” Short quipped about it being better served solo, showcasing their playful chemistry.

A surprise ending saw Jimmy Fallon make a cameo as a “jacket boy,” humorously presenting Short with a Five Timer’s Club jacket in a women’s small size. The comedic camaraderie culminated as Short hilariously struggled to put on the jacket, ultimately wrapping it around himself and expressing heartfelt sentiments to the audience: “From the bottom of my heart, I just want to say, I love most of you so much. And live from New York, it’s Saturday night!”

Praise for this extraordinary cold open has flooded social media. One YouTube commentator exclaimed, “This may be one of the best cold opens in SNL history!” Another echoed that sentiment, remarking on how the room's atmosphere grew more exhilarating with each beloved face. A third adoring fan tagged it as “one of the most legendary cold opens ever,” appreciating the rich tapestry of SNL’s past, a testament to over 50 years of comedy innovation.

The excitement didn’t end there—current cast members Bowen Yang and Colin Jost made appearances, with Jost finding himself in a particularly comical situation while speaking in front of his wife, Scarlett Johansson. This comedic twist continued during “Weekend Update,” where Jost and Michael Che engaged in their well-known “joke exchange.” However, what pushed the boundaries tonight was Jost's choice of jokes, all humorously tailored around his wife, capturing her astonished reaction on live camera.

With this unforgettable cold open, SNL once again reaffirmed its status as a cultural staple, delighting long-time fans and new viewers. It appears the show continues to serve up humor that resonates across generations—and this latest episode might just be a defining moment in its legacy. Don’t miss the legendary sketches; you never know who might pop in next!