The Elite Ranks: All 26 Members Of SNL's Five-Timers Club And The Newest Inductee, Kristen Wiig

The "Five-Timers Club" is arguably the most exclusive and coveted non-award honor in the world of comedy and television. It represents a rare achievement of comedic versatility, endurance, and star power, reserved for those who have successfully hosted NBC's *Saturday Night Live* five or more times. As of late 2024, this elite group remains one of the most talked-about institutions in show business, with its history continually being written by new members. The club's membership list is a living history of the show itself, featuring legends who have defined the comedic landscape across five decades. The most recent and highly celebrated inductee, Kristen Wiig, joined the ranks on April 6, 2024, marking a significant milestone for a former cast member who returned to the hallowed halls of Studio 8H. This deep dive explores the history, the rules (and exceptions), and the complete roster of the comedy world's most distinguished fraternity.

The History and The Official Roster of SNL's Five-Timers Club

The concept of the Five-Timers Club originated as a fictional sketch on the December 8, 1990, episode of *Saturday Night Live*, hosted by Tom Hanks. In the sketch, Hanks' character receives a velvet smoking jacket and a membership card, officially welcoming him into the elite group. This joke quickly became a beloved piece of *SNL* lore, transforming into a real-life tradition and a source of genuine pride for those who earn the distinction. The club is less about a strict count and more about a ceremonial induction, often featuring cameos from existing members. While the primary rule is hosting five times, there have been notable exceptions, adding to the club's mystique and allowing *SNL* to honor its most important contributors.

The Complete List of SNL Five-Timers Club Members (As of December 2024)

This list includes all 26 official members, ordered by the date of their fifth hosting appearance.

• Buck Henry: November 19, 1977 (The first member)
• Steve Martin: April 22, 1978 (Holds the record for most five-timers club appearances)
• Elliott Gould: February 16, 1980
• Paul Simon: December 19, 1987 (Also a musical guest, his hosting count is often debated)
• Chevy Chase: February 18, 1989
• Candice Bergen: May 19, 1990 (The first female member)
• Tom Hanks: December 8, 1990 (The host who created the club sketch)
• Danny DeVito: January 9, 1993
• John Goodman: December 12, 1992
• Alec Baldwin: April 15, 1995 (Holds the record for most hosting appearances with 17)
• Bill Murray: February 20, 1999 (SNL cast member turned host)
• Christopher Walken: May 19, 2001
• Drew Barrymore: February 3, 2007
• Justin Timberlake: March 9, 2013
• Ben Affleck: May 18, 2013
• Scarlett Johansson: December 14, 2019
• John Mulaney: February 26, 2022
• Paul Rudd: December 18, 2021 (Inducted during a COVID-disrupted show)
• Jon Hamm: October 27, 2012 (Unofficial/Debatable)
• Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson: May 20, 2017
• Tina Fey: April 7, 2018 (Former cast member and head writer)
• Melissa McCarthy: May 13, 2017
• Woody Harrelson: February 25, 2023
• Emma Stone: December 2, 2023
• Martin Short: December 9, 2023 (Inducted with four hosting stints, but a co-host credit made it five)
• Kristen Wiig: April 6, 2024 (The newest member)

The Newest Members: Wiig, Harrelson, and Short's Star-Studded Inductions

The tradition of the Five-Timers Club continues to evolve, with each new induction serving as a mini-reunion and a celebration of the show's enduring legacy. The most recent additions have brought a fresh wave of excitement and star power to the famed Studio 8H.

Kristen Wiig: The Return of a Sketch Comedy Icon (April 6, 2024)

Kristen Wiig's return to host for the fifth time on April 6, 2024 (Season 49), was a monumental moment. As one of the most beloved cast members of the modern era, her induction was celebrated with a star-studded sketch that featured cameos from fellow members Paul Rudd, Matt Damon, and Paul Simon. Wiig’s tenure on the show (2005–2012) cemented her as a master of character work, and her return allowed fans to see her iconic creations once more. Her induction was a powerful reminder of her influence on contemporary comedy, featuring references to her most memorable characters:

• The Target Lady: The overly enthusiastic and awkward cashier.
• Dooneese: The bizarre, large-foreheaded sister from the *Lawrence Welk Show* sketches.
• Gilly: The mischievous, perpetually apologetic schoolgirl whose favorite word is "Sorry!"

Woody Harrelson: The Long-Time Favorite (February 25, 2023)

Woody Harrelson joined the club on February 25, 2023, nearly 35 years after his first hosting gig in 1989. Harrelson's style is often more laid-back and unpredictable, a stark contrast to the tightly scripted nature of *SNL*. His fifth episode was notable for its lack of a traditional Five-Timers Club sketch, a rare occurrence that nonetheless solidified his status as a long-time favorite of executive producer Lorne Michaels. Harrelson's induction was celebrated in the goodnights, with Kenan Thompson and Scarlett Johansson presenting him with his jacket, confirming that the honor is real, even if the sketch doesn't always happen.

Martin Short: The Honorary Member with Star Power (December 9, 2023)

Martin Short’s induction on December 9, 2023, alongside his long-time collaborator Steve Martin (who was hosting for the 16th time), highlighted the club’s flexibility. While Short technically only had four solo hosting credits, the show honored him with an induction that featured a stunning parade of celebrity cameos, including Tom Hanks, Tina Fey, Scarlett Johansson, Emma Stone, and his co-host Steve Martin. This event demonstrated that the club is ultimately a symbolic gesture from *SNL* to those who have made a significant, enduring impact on the show's history, regardless of a single hosting credit.

The Legacy and Topical Authority of the Five-Timers Club

The Five-Timers Club is more than just a list; it is a testament to the show's cultural significance and a powerful marketing tool. Earning the right to host *SNL* five times requires a unique combination of sustained career success, box office appeal, and, most importantly, the ability to seamlessly integrate into the high-pressure, live-TV environment of *SNL*. The club's sketches, which often feature multiple members interacting, are some of the most anticipated moments of any season. These sketches are a masterclass in topical authority, bringing together generations of comedy greats to trade jokes, often at the expense of the newest inductee. For example, in Kristen Wiig's induction, the sketch played on the idea of the club being a secret, exclusive society, a concept that has been a running gag since Tom Hanks first introduced it. The continuous addition of new members, particularly former cast members like Wiig and Tina Fey, reinforces the idea that *SNL* is a family. It’s a place where the biggest stars in the world—from actors like Alec Baldwin to comedians like John Mulaney—return to pay homage to the stage that helped launch their careers. The club's continued relevance ensures that the question of "Who will be the next five-timer?" remains a constant, fun topic of discussion among *Saturday Night Live* fans across the globe.