Since its inception, Saturday Night Live has celebrated a unique tradition: the Five-Timers Club. This exclusive fraternity recognizes individuals who have hosted the legendary sketch comedy show five or more times. Over the decades, this esteemed group has expanded to include a diverse array of celebrated actors, comedians, and musical talents, each leaving an indelible mark on the program's rich history. From rapid inductees like Steve Martin and Buck Henry in the early years to recent additions such as John Mulaney and Emma Stone, the club represents a pinnacle of comedic achievement and a testament to sustained popularity and versatility on one of television's most iconic stages. These hosts have not only delivered countless memorable performances but have also shaped the cultural landscape with their wit and charisma.
A Look Inside the Illustrious Ranks of SNL's Most Frequent Hosts
The esteemed Five-Timers Club of NBC's Saturday Night Live boasts an impressive roster of comedic and acting legends. Leading the charge is Alec Baldwin, who holds the record with an astounding 17 hosting appearances, commencing on April 21, 1990, and most recently on February 11, 2017. Baldwin's tenure is marked by his iconic portrayal of Donald Trump and his memorable role in the "Schweddy Balls" sketch.
Following closely is Steve Martin, with 16 hosting gigs, having first hosted on October 23, 1976. Martin joined the club swiftly on April 22, 1978, showcasing his beloved character Georgi Festrunk and debuting his hit song "King Tut." His most recent appearance was on December 10, 2022.
John Goodman has hosted 13 times, beginning December 2, 1989, and joining the club on May 7, 1994. His extensive contributions include his Wilford Brimley impersonation and a return as Rex Tillerson.
Pioneering members from the show's early days include Buck Henry, who hosted 10 times, becoming the first Five-Timers Club member on November 19, 1977, after his first appearance on January 17, 1976. He famously appeared with a bandaged head after a prop sword incident.
Another 10-time host is Tom Hanks, who debuted on December 14, 1985, and joined the club on December 8, 1990. Hanks is credited with popularizing the club concept and introduced the iconic David S. Pumpkins character. His last hosting appearance was on April 11, 2020.
Chevy Chase, with 8 hosting appearances, was the first original cast member to join the club on December 6, 1986, after his first hosting duty on February 18, 1978. His signature "I'm Chevy Chase, and you're not" catchphrase became an SNL staple.
Scarlett Johansson has hosted 7 times, first appearing on January 14, 2006, and joining the club on March 11, 2017. She made headlines with her satirical portrayal of Ivanka Trump.
Christopher Walken also boasts 7 hosting credits, with his first show on January 20, 1990, and club induction on May 19, 2001. He is famous for the "More Cowbell" sketch and his recurring "The Continental" character.
Other esteemed members with 6 hosting turns include Elliott Gould, who hosted for the first time on January 10, 1976, and joined the club on February 16, 1980; Danny DeVito, whose first appearance was on May 15, 1982, and club induction on January 9, 1993; Drew Barrymore, the youngest host in SNL history, first appearing on November 20, 1982, and joining the club on February 3, 2007; Tina Fey, who first hosted on February 23, 2008, and became a member on December 19, 2015, known for her Sarah Palin impersonation; and John Mulaney, a former writer who rapidly joined the club on February 26, 2022, after his first hosting gig on April 14, 2018, distinguishing himself with elaborate musical sketches.
The newest members with 5 hosting appearances are Candice Bergen, the first female host, joining the club on May 19, 1990, after her first show on November 8, 1975; Bill Murray, an original cast member who first hosted on March 7, 1981, and joined the club on February 20, 1999; Justin Timberlake, who earned his membership on March 9, 2013, after his first hosting role on October 11, 2003, and is celebrated for his "Dick in a Box" digital short; Ben Affleck, who first hosted on February 19, 2000, and joined on May 18, 2013; Melissa McCarthy, who joined on May 13, 2017, after her first show on October 1, 2011, renowned for her Sean Spicer impersonation; Dwayne Johnson, who became a member on May 20, 2017, after his first hosting role on March 18, 2000; Jonah Hill, who joined on November 3, 2018, after his first time on March 15, 2008; Will Ferrell, who first hosted on May 14, 2005, and was inducted on November 23, 2019; Paul Rudd, who joined on December 18, 2021, after his first show on November 15, 2008, despite a unique, audience-less fifth appearance due to COVID-19; Woody Harrelson, who finally joined on February 25, 2023, after his first hosting stint on November 18, 1989; Emma Stone, who was welcomed to the club on December 2, 2023, after her first appearance on October 23, 2010; Kristen Wiig, a fan-favorite cast member, achieved Five-Timers Club status on April 6, 2024, more than a decade after her first hosting duty on May 11, 2013; Martin Short, who earned his membership during the final episode of 2024, marking his fifth time hosting on December 21, 2024; and most recently, Jack Black, who joined on April 4, 2026, after his first hosting turn on January 19, 2002.
Additionally, Paul Simon and Jack White hold honorary memberships. Simon, despite only hosting 4 times, earned his jacket through multiple musical guest appearances, first on October 18, 1975, and joining the club on May 10, 1986. White, who has never hosted, received an honorary jacket on February 25, 2023, due to his fifth musical guest appearance, which coincided with Woody Harrelson's induction.
The evolution of the Five-Timers Club mirrors the dynamic history of Saturday Night Live itself, adapting to changing times while maintaining its core reverence for comedic excellence and consistent contributions. Each induction ceremony, often featuring appearances by existing members, reinforces the sense of tradition and camaraderie that defines this special group. This club stands as a symbol of comedic longevity and a beloved institution within the broader entertainment world, inspiring new generations of performers to strive for their place within its celebrated ranks.