5 Shocking Moments And Deep Cuts From Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Saturday Night Live Journey

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s relationship with Saturday Night Live (SNL) is far more complex and surprising than a simple one-time hosting gig. While the creator of the Broadway phenomenon Hamilton only officially hosted a single episode, his influence and subsequent, unexpected appearances have cemented his place in the show’s history, providing some of the most memorable and politically charged moments of the last decade.

As of December 2025, the narrative around Miranda’s SNL tenure is fresh and current, thanks to a major surprise cameo that shocked fans and tied his Broadway roots directly into the show’s political humor. This deep dive uncovers the key dates, the forgotten sketches, and the powerful cultural statements that define his time in Studio 8H.

Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Broadway Phenom’s SNL Profile

Lin-Manuel Miranda is an American songwriter, actor, filmmaker, rapper, and playwright, best known for creating the groundbreaking Broadway musicals Hamilton and In the Heights. His SNL profile is marked by a single official hosting slot and multiple surprise appearances.

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• Full Name: Lin-Manuel Miranda
• Born: January 16, 1980
• Hometown: New York City, New York
• Parents: Luz Towns-Miranda (Clinical Psychologist) and Luis A. Miranda Jr. (Political Consultant)
• Wife: Vanessa Nadal
• Key Broadway Works: In the Heights, Hamilton
• Major Awards: Pulitzer Prize, three Grammy Awards, three Tony Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards. He is one Oscar away from achieving EGOT status.
• SNL Hosting Date: October 8, 2016 (Season 42, Episode 2)
• SNL Musical Guest (Host Date): Twenty One Pilots
• Total SNL Appearances: 5 (1 Host, 4 Cameos)

The Iconic Monologue: 'My Shot' Remix and the Political Jab

Miranda’s official hosting debut on October 8, 2016, came at the absolute peak of Hamilton’s cultural dominance and during one of the most tumultuous political periods in recent memory. The expectation was sky-high, and Miranda delivered with a musical monologue that immediately became legendary.

1. The 'My Shot' SNL Remix

Instead of a traditional stand-up monologue, Miranda performed a remixed version of his iconic song "My Shot" from Hamilton. The song was a self-aware, rapid-fire rap about his journey to SNL, acknowledging the pressure of following in the footsteps of legends like Miley Cyrus and Amy Schumer.

The lyrics were a brilliant blend of Broadway flair and hip-hop swagger, with Miranda rapping about finally earning his spot on the prestigious SNL wall.

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2. The Controversial 'Piece of Sh*t' Line

The most shocking and memorable moment of the monologue was an unscripted-sounding political jab. As Miranda walked past the photos of former hosts on the wall of Studio 8H, he paused at a specific picture—widely interpreted to be Donald Trump, who had hosted the previous season—and referred to it as a "piece of sh*t." This moment immediately went viral, setting a politically charged tone for the rest of the episode and demonstrating Miranda's willingness to use his platform.

The Deep Cuts: Forgotten Sketches That Defined the Episode

While the monologue is what most people remember, Miranda’s hosting episode (Season 42, Episode 2) featured several sketches that showcased his versatility, moving beyond his Broadway persona to embrace classic SNL comedy. These "deep cuts" are essential for understanding the full scope of his night.

• Stranger Things 2 Parody: One of the most popular sketches of the night was a brilliant parody of the Netflix sensation Stranger Things. Miranda played Dustin Henderson, and the sketch riffed on the show's sudden popularity and the cast's newfound celebrity. The humor centered on the kids being overwhelmed by their fame and being forced to perform for their parents’ friends.
• Substitute Teacher: In this sketch, Miranda played a substitute teacher who attempts to connect with his students by rapping. The sketch was a direct nod to his musical roots and his ability to blend performance with teaching, though the comedy came from the awkward disconnect between his enthusiasm and the students' lack of interest.
• A Day Off: This sketch featured Miranda as a stressed-out Alexander Hamilton trying to take a rare day off, only to be constantly interrupted by historical figures and the demands of his life. While not a direct song, it allowed him to reprise his most famous role in a comedic, meta-context.

The Newest Chapter: The Shocking Timothée Chalamet Cameo

The most recent and significant development in Miranda’s SNL history is his surprise cameo during the episode hosted by Timothée Chalamet. This appearance, which aired on January 25, 2025, instantly made headlines and brought Miranda's SNL story back to the forefront of pop culture.

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The cameo occurred during the cold open, a sketch focused on the political landscape. Chalamet, who was hosting for the third time and also serving as the musical guest, was performing a character when Miranda suddenly appeared.

Miranda reprised his role as Alexander Hamilton, delivering a quick, high-energy musical interjection that tied the historical figure to a modern, politically charged situation. This surprise appearance not only thrilled the live audience in Studio 8H but also demonstrated Miranda's enduring connection to the show and his willingness to use his iconic character for a quick, impactful laugh. The timing of the cameo, during Season 50 of SNL, ensured the moment became a classic piece of the show's recent history.

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Lasting SNL Legacy

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s time on Saturday Night Live transcends his single hosting date. His legacy is one built on a powerful, self-referential monologue that captured the cultural zeitgeist of 2016 and a series of memorable cameos that leverage his unique star power. From the political commentary embedded in his "My Shot" remix to his recent, unexpected return as Alexander Hamilton on Timothée Chalamet’s night, Miranda has proven himself to be one of the few hosts whose single episode continues to generate discussion years later.

His ability to weave the worlds of Broadway, hip-hop, and political satire into the SNL format ensures that his episode remains a high point of Season 42. It serves as a perfect example of how the show can successfully integrate a non-traditional comedic talent, proving that Saturday Night Live is a stage not just for stand-up and sketch artists, but for any artist ready to take their shot.