The Record Breakers: 10 Celebrities Who Have Hosted SNL The Most Times (Updated For 2025)

The title of 'Most Frequent SNL Host' is one of the most coveted and challenging records in television history, representing a unique blend of comedic timing, celebrity appeal, and the trust of creator Lorne Michaels. As of late December 2025, the top spot is firmly held by a dramatic actor turned political impressionist whose appearances have spanned three decades, though a comedy legend sits just one episode behind, constantly threatening the top rank. This article breaks down the complete list of the most frequent hosts, diving deep into the history, the records, and the elite 'Five-Timers Club' that defines Saturday Night Live's most beloved guests.

The distinction of hosting Saturday Night Live is an honor reserved for the biggest names in entertainment, but the true legends are the ones who are invited back again and again. Achieving a high hosting count requires a special kind of versatility, a willingness to commit to the show's grueling schedule, and a proven track record of delivering high ratings and memorable sketches. The competition at the top is fierce, featuring a mix of stand-up comedians, Hollywood A-listers, and former cast members.

The SNL Hosting Hall of Fame: The All-Time Top 10 List

The hierarchy of Saturday Night Live hosts is a testament to comedic endurance. To even reach the top ten is to join a pantheon of performers who have defined the show's five-decade run. Here is the definitive, updated list of the celebrities who have hosted SNL the most times, with the current record holder sitting comfortably at 17 appearances.

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• 1. Alec Baldwin (17 Appearances): The current record holder, whose hosting career began in 1990. While his early appearances were pure comedy, his later runs were heavily bolstered by his Emmy-winning portrayal of Donald Trump, a role that brought him back to Studio 8H repeatedly outside of his official hosting duties.
• 2. Steve Martin (16 Appearances): The original 'King of SNL Hosts.' Martin held the record for decades before being surpassed by Baldwin in 2011. Known for his absurd comedy, he is arguably the most beloved host in the show's history, often appearing as a special guest and co-hosting the 50th Anniversary Special in 2025.
• 3. John Goodman (13 Appearances): A versatile powerhouse known for his seamless integration into the cast and his willingness to tackle any role, from Linda Tripp to Marlon Brando. Goodman's appearances are a masterclass in comedic commitment.
• 4. Buck Henry (10 Appearances): A foundational figure in SNL history. Henry was the first person to host 10 times, reaching the milestone in 1977. He was famous for his recurring "Samurai" sketches with John Belushi, often sustaining real injuries for a laugh.
• 5. Tom Hanks (10 Appearances): A universally beloved actor who has hosted ten times, earning him a place in the coveted double-digit club. His memorable characters, like David S. Pumpkins, have become modern-day SNL staples.
• 6. Chevy Chase (8 Appearances): An original cast member from Season 1, Chase holds a unique record. He was the first former cast member to return and host, doing so eight times.
• 7. Christopher Walken (7 Appearances): Famous for his distinct delivery and unforgettable sketches, most notably the "More Cowbell" sketch. Walken's unique persona made his seven appearances must-see television.
• 8. Scarlett Johansson (7 Appearances): The record holder for the most frequent female host, a title she secured in May 2025. Her seven appearances demonstrate incredible range, making her a modern SNL favorite.
• 9. Tina Fey (6 Appearances): A former head writer and cast member, Fey's six hosting gigs showcase her enduring connection to the show, often returning to anchor "Weekend Update" or revive her famous Sarah Palin impression.
• 10. Drew Barrymore (6 Appearances): An actress whose frequent hosting slots highlight her natural charm and comedic ease. She is one of the few women to reach the six-time mark, tying with Fey before Johansson broke the record.

The Exclusive Five-Timers Club: More Than Just a Jacket

Hosting SNL five times or more is considered the ultimate sign of respect from Lorne Michaels and the show's production team. This achievement grants a celebrity entry into the legendary "Five-Timers Club." The concept, first introduced in a 1990 sketch hosted by Tom Hanks, features a fictional, wood-paneled lounge where the elite hosts gather. Members receive a prestigious smoking jacket with the club's logo, symbolizing their commitment to the show.

The club is a key part of SNL lore and a powerful entity in its own right, often used for sketches that bring back multiple famous hosts at once. The first person ever inducted into the club was the late Buck Henry in 1977. The list has grown to include over 20 members, with newer inductees constantly joining the ranks, ensuring the legacy continues.

The most recent inductees into this exclusive group include actors like Paul Rudd, who earned his jacket in 2021, and musical comedy icon John Mulaney, who achieved his fifth host slot in 2022. These newer members prove that the show's tradition of bringing back the best is still thriving in its later seasons.

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The Battle for the Record: Alec Baldwin vs. Steve Martin

The rivalry between Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin for the all-time hosting record is one of the most compelling narratives in SNL history. For decades, Steve Martin was the undisputed champion. His run of 15 appearances was legendary, defined by iconic sketches like "Two Wild and Crazy Guys" with Dan Aykroyd. Martin's ability to blend stand-up absurdity with sketch comedy made him the gold standard for guest hosts.

However, Alec Baldwin, who began his hosting career in 1990, steadily chipped away at Martin's lead. Baldwin's hosting appearances often coincided with his latest film releases, but his true surge came from his ability to adapt to the show's needs. He officially broke Martin's record in 2011 with his 16th time hosting.

The gap widened to 17 appearances, a record that has stood for over a decade. While Baldwin’s later appearances were often overshadowed by his frequent, non-hosting guest spots as Donald Trump, his 17 official hosting credits remain the benchmark. Interestingly, Steve Martin has continued to make guest appearances and co-hosted with Martin Short in 2022, though this does not count toward his official 16 hosting credits. The friendly competition between the two titans ensures that the record is always a topic of discussion among SNL fans.

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The Women Who Broke the Mold: Most Frequent Female SNL Hosts

While the overall top spots are dominated by men, the record for the most frequent female host is a significant and dynamic category that saw a major shift in 2025. This record highlights the achievements of women who have successfully navigated the demanding world of sketch comedy, often in addition to their roles as writers or former cast members.

For years, the record was held by Candice Bergen, who was the first woman to host SNL and the first woman inducted into the Five-Timers Club back in 1990. In the 21st century, the title became a close race between two former cast members, Tina Fey and Drew Barrymore, who both reached six appearances.

The tie was finally broken on May 18, 2025, when Scarlett Johansson hosted the show for the seventh time. This appearance, which closed out a recent season, officially made her the first woman in SNL history to host seven times, surpassing the six-time mark previously shared by Fey and Barrymore. Johansson's consistent success as a host, spanning over a decade, solidified her place as the most frequent female host, a major milestone in the show's history.

Other Notable Members of the Five-Timers Club

The legacy of SNL is built on the shoulders of its recurring guests. Beyond the top five, the Five-Timers Club is filled with entities who have left indelible marks on the show. These frequent hosts represent the gold standard of celebrity engagement with SNL:

• Bill Murray (5 Appearances): An original cast member who returned to host five times, blending his absurdist humor with his established movie-star persona.
• John Mulaney (5 Appearances): A former SNL writer who has become a modern hosting phenomenon, known for his theatrical openings and musical sketches. Mulaney is the fastest host to reach five appearances in the show's history.
• Justin Timberlake (5 Appearances): An actor and musician whose versatility made him a fan favorite, often appearing in viral sketches like "Dick in a Box" and "The Barry Gibb Talk Show."
• Melissa McCarthy (5 Appearances): Known for her high-energy, physical comedy, McCarthy's five appearances are celebrated for her committed performances, including her famous impersonation of former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer.
• Ben Affleck (5 Appearances): A reliable host who has consistently delivered strong episodes, showcasing his comedic timing and versatility across multiple seasons.

The record for the most frequent host may eventually be broken, but for now, Alec Baldwin's 17 appearances remain the benchmark of Saturday Night Live longevity. The tradition of the Five-Timers Club ensures that the show's history is honored with every new induction, celebrating the celebrities who have truly mastered the art of live sketch comedy.