Comedian Chris Rock took the stage as host of Saturday Night Live on December 14, 2024, marking his fourth time leading the iconic late-night sketch show. Rock’s appearance featured a mix of sharp comedy, nostalgic callbacks, and surprise moments, including a cameo by his longtime friend and former castmate, Adam Sandler. Musical guest Gracie Abrams also made her debut, performing two tracks from her latest album.

Nostalgic Cameo by Adam Sandler

One of the standout sketches of the night involved Chris Rock portraying a surgeon performing an operation. In the skit, a mix-up leads to a patient’s gallbladder being removed instead of their appendix. As the scene unfolds, the patient—initially covered by a sheet—sits up, revealing Adam Sandler. Sandler, 58, hilariously engages with the doctors while blood humorously sprays across the set, turning the mishap into a chaotic comedic moment.

Rock and Sandler’s on-screen chemistry brought back memories of their time together on SNL during the 1990s. Beyond their shared history on the show, the duo has starred in several films together, including The Longest Yard (2005), Grown Ups (2010), Grown Ups 2 (2013), and The Week Of (2018). Their reunion on SNL added a nostalgic touch for longtime fans of the comedy veterans.

Chris Rock’s Memorable Sketches

Throughout the episode, Chris Rock participated in a variety of sketches that showcased his comedic range. Highlights included:

• Blind Date Sketch: Rock played a man navigating an awkward first date with unexpected twists.
• Holiday Elf Scene: Rock took on the role of a mall elf, delivering biting humor about the chaos of the holiday shopping season.
• Work Christmas Party: In another sketch, Rock joined SNL cast members portraying employees at a hilariously dysfunctional workplace holiday celebration.

Rock’s performances were met with enthusiastic applause from the live audience, solidifying his reputation as one of SNL’s most celebrated alumni.

Gracie Abrams’ Musical Guest Debut

Singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams, 25, made her Saturday Night Live debut as the evening’s musical guest. Known for her emotionally resonant lyrics and soulful voice, Abrams delivered two captivating performances:

1. “That’s So True” — A track from her album The Secret of Us, which highlights themes of love and self-discovery.
2. “I Love You, I’m Sorry” — Another heartfelt song that resonated deeply with fans in the audience and viewers at home.

Abrams’ debut performance was a significant milestone in her career, cementing her place among the new wave of artists gaining prominence in 2024.

Updates on the SNL Cast

Saturday Night Live is currently in its landmark 50th season, which has seen notable changes to its cast lineup. Earlier this year, newcomers Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline joined the roster. Meanwhile, Punkie Johnson, Chloe Troast, and Molly Kearney departed the show. Returning cast members Marcello Hernandez, Michael Longfellow, and Devon Walker have been promoted to the main cast after two seasons as featured players.

The rest of the cast includes long-time stars such as Kenan Thompson, Michael Che, Colin Jost, Bowen Yang, and Heidi Gardner, among others. The show’s ability to balance fresh talent with seasoned performers continues to keep it relevant and engaging for audiences.

Upcoming Episodes

Looking ahead, Saturday Night Live announced that Martin Short will host the December 21, 2024, episode, with musical guest Hozier. Fans can expect another evening of comedy and music to close out the year.

Saturday Night Live airs every Saturday night on NBC, bringing audiences a mix of live sketches, musical performances, and guest appearances that have made it a cultural institution for decades.

For more updates on Saturday Night Live, tune in to Vviptimes.

Source: People.com