In his fourth stint as host, Dave Chappelle demonstrated precisely why he is a beloved figure in the realm of SNL. His experience as both a sketch performer and stand-up comedian uniquely positions him to deliver a powerful performance every time he graces the stage. Chappelle possesses a distinctive comedic voice that resonates throughout his set, bringing a refreshing perspective to the show and keeping audiences engaged from beginning to end.

Critics have voiced concerns that the show has become overly safe and predictable, often following a formulaic approach that leaves little room for surprise. This is why having a strong comedic voice, like Chappelle’s, is invaluable; it disrupts the routine and challenges the audience’s expectations, making each episode feel fresh and invigorating. His fearless approach to comedy serves to elevate the entire show’s dynamic.

Chappelle is undeniably a fearless comedian, as evidenced by his well-timed jokes about the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires and Trump?s anticipated second term. His writing reflects a deep understanding of the evolving comedic landscape, as he avoids punching down, instead focusing on privilege and self-reflection. This ability to adapt and evolve with the times is what keeps his comedy relevant and impactful.

Chappelle?s opening standup monologue was a marathon of topical humor, seamlessly weaving in his iconic characters from Chappelle?s Show to illustrate that their humor remains just as potent today as it was during his reign in comedy and sketch television. He skillfully balanced humor with poignant messages, using his platform to inspire hope amidst a landscape of division and uncertainty.

As is tradition, we will be ranking all sketches from worst to best, including the Monologue, Cold Open, ?Weekend Update,? and any sketches that were cut for time but made their way online. Musical guests will be skipped, as they rarely contribute humor unless Ashlee Simpson makes an appearance. Finally, we?ll highlight the cast members who had the strongest week.

Sarah Sherman took the lead as Rachel Maddow, accompanied by a panel of MSNBC?s quirkiest commentators, including the alluring Stephanie Ruhle (Chloe Bennett), the hip-hop quoting Ari Melber (Marcello Hernández), the not-Rachel-Maddow Chris Hayes (Andrew Dismukes), and Ego Nwodim?s Joy Reid, who struggled to maintain a rational perspective amidst the chaos.

On the eve of Inauguration Day, the MSNBC crew pledged to avoid being sidetracked by the absurd tweets of the new administration, only to be bombarded by breaking news updates, including his plan to ?trade Connecticut for Italy,? and his admission of being ?stuck watching MS-DNC,? concluding with the humorous quip that the lineup resembled ?Scooby-Doo: Oops All Velma.?

James Austin Johnson?s rambling Trump character returned, earning big laughs with his observations about hosting an outdoor inauguration due to ?too many people,? while Bowen Yang?s unexpected appearance as the new Secretary of Reality-Checking, George Santos, was another comedic highlight. As we brace for Trump Administration 2.0, SNL seems poised to satirize another four years of outrageous antics, which is undeniably more entertaining than mundane trade discussions.

As is typical with a Dave Chappelle-hosted show, elements of Chappelle?s Show made a return, with Chappelle?s Silky Johnson character taking over Arlette Amuli?s (Ego Nwodim) Pop the Balloon or Find Love social media game. Donnell Rawlings also reprised his Ashy Larry character, humorously navigating the ruthless landscape of love, balloon-popping, and poor choices. It was a fast-paced, chaotic joy that perfectly encapsulated the unpredictable spirit of the original show.

Dave Chappelle appeared to genuinely enjoy Marcello Hernández?s comedic contributions, stepping outside his character as the neighbor ?Black Richard.? This iteration of the recurring sketch showcased a significant boost in strength, largely due to the playful energy Chappelle brought to the performance. His observations on fatherhood were both hilarious and relatable, with Devon Walker?s brief but impactful appearance as his son (?Hey man, nice to meet you?) standing out as one of the funniest moments. Both Chappelle and Hernández excelled in their reactions to Mikey Day?s very white family and their parenting quirks, making this sketch a delightful highlight.

Kenan Thompson showcased his impeccable comedic timing as a janitor helping a young Black man, Devon Walker, navigate the sensitive issue of his missing girlfriend at the police station. This sketch avoided being overly dramatic by emphasizing humor, as Kenan?s physical comedy perfectly complemented Devon?s performance. The simplicity of the premise was elevated by their strong chemistry, resulting in a sketch that was both poignant and funny. It?s a shining example of how effective straightforward humor can be when performed skillfully.

Dave Chappelle emerged with a purpose, delivering a nearly 20-minute standup monologue that tackled significant issues such as the Los Angeles wildfires, Trump?s inflammatory remarks about Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, Diddy?s legal troubles, and even his reflections on Jimmy Carter?s presidency. His comedic prowess was on full display, as he addressed controversial topics without resorting to low blows ? with the exception of one playful jab at West Hollywood, which the audience surely appreciated.

Chappelle is an exceptionally skilled comic, recognized as one of the sharpest writers in the industry. His commentary was rich with laughs and poignant moments, effectively engaging the audience. He interacted playfully with attendees, drawing them in to the point where they were eagerly shouting back at him by the end. His heartfelt plea for America and the incoming president to strive to ?be better? than we have been resonated deeply with viewers.

This monologue stands as one of the strongest in the history of the show, featuring memorable moments such as his anecdote about Lorne Michaels inviting him to host right after the election, to which he initially responded, ?Nah, man, I?m cool.? He humorously noted that once he finally agreed to host, ?the moment I said yes, LA burst into flames,? showcasing the unpredictable nature of the world he humorously critiques.

It appears that when the host brings their A-game, ?Weekend Update? also benefits from that energy. Colin Jost and Michael Che opened with humorous commentary on Trump?s new presidential photograph, Zuckerberg?s visit to Mar-a-Lago, ?and boy are his knees tired,? and the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, among other timely topics. With a lively audience, nearly every joke landed perfectly, enhancing the overall experience of the show.

Michael Longfellow showcased his dry humor, effectively making light of the somewhat lackluster commentary regarding TikTok’s impending ban. His unique delivery style kept the audience entertained, even as he touched on common concerns about the app’s addictive nature and its potential misuse of data by China. While his commentary may not have been groundbreaking, Longfellow?s charisma certainly shone through.

In what usually serves as a throwaway segment, Jost gained significant engagement with his new segment titled ?Hear Me Out,? addressing the arrest of a political cartoonist over AI-related child exploitation. The segment was highlighted by Jost?s hilariously awkward New Orleans accent, and the camaraderie between Che and Jost added to the charm of their banter during this week?s episode.

Any opportunity for Sarah Sherman to come forward and poke fun at Jost is a welcome one. The prosthetics and makeup that transformed her into the original Nosferatu were impressive, and the black-and-white cuts enhanced the absurdity of her commentary. Jost?s reluctant delivery of poorly written lines contributed to the humor. If the opportunity arises for Sarah to take over the news desk, we firmly believe she would excel!

Chaos ensues for a family of three when they receive an evacuation alert due to the approaching Los Angeles wildfires. In this sketch, Dave Chappelle?s character gradually reveals his true self and the absurdities of his life, much to the shock of his bewildered wife, Ego Nwodim, and their overwhelmed, bassoon-playing teenage son, Devon Walker. From comedic blood sprays to secret compartments hidden throughout the house, this sketch spiraled into a delightful blend of madness and hilarity, exemplifying the brilliance of a seasoned comedian and sketch performer pushing the boundaries of comedy.