The Undisputed King Of 30 Rock: Who Has Hosted SNL The Most Times (And The Full Five-Timers Club List)

The record for hosting Saturday Night Live (SNL) the most times is a coveted title that speaks volumes about a star's comedic versatility and enduring appeal to the show's creator, Lorne Michaels. As of December 10, 2025, the undisputed champion of 30 Rockefeller Plaza remains a celebrated actor known for his dramatic gravitas and sharp comedic timing, with a staggering 17 hosting appearances under his belt. This feat places him firmly at the top of a legendary list, a testament to his ability to blend seamlessly with the ever-changing cast and deliver iconic, recurring characters that define SNL history.

The honor of being the most frequent host is more than a simple statistic; it is an entry into a rare echelon of Hollywood royalty, far surpassing the minimum five appearances required for the exclusive "Five-Timers Club." The list below not only reveals the current record holder but also dives into the careers and most memorable sketches of the stars who have proven time and again that they belong on the hallowed stage of Studio 8H.

The Top Tier: Who Has Hosted Saturday Night Live The Most?

The competition for the most SNL hosting gigs is dominated by a handful of actors whose careers span decades and who have been repeatedly invited back to the show. These individuals are not just hosts; they are de facto members of the SNL family, capable of elevating any sketch they appear in. The current record holder has been a fixture on the show since his first appearance in 1990, consistently returning to host across four different decades.

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1. Alec Baldwin (17 Times)

Alec Baldwin holds the all-time record, having hosted Saturday Night Live an impressive 17 times. His ability to jump between characters, from smooth-talking corporate villains to bumbling everymen, has made him a reliable and beloved choice for Lorne Michaels. While his later appearances were often overshadowed by his Emmy-winning portrayal of President Donald Trump, his legacy as a host was cemented long before that political impression.

• First Hosting Gig: April 21, 1990
• Record-Breaking Appearance: His 16th time, in 2011, surpassed Steve Martin's long-standing record.
• Notable Sketches & Characters: The original "Bill Brasky" sketch, the holiday classic "Schweddy Balls" (as Pete Schweddy), "Greenhilly," and his recurring role in "Soap Opera Digest."
• Topical Authority: Baldwin's run is unique because he successfully transitioned from being a rising movie star host in the 90s to a seasoned veteran who could anchor both dramatic and absurd comedy, culminating in one of the most talked-about political impressions in the show's history.

2. Steve Martin (16 Times)

The "Wild and Crazy Guy" himself, Steve Martin, is the close runner-up with 16 hosting appearances. Martin’s relationship with SNL dates back to the show's earliest seasons, where he became a breakout star without ever being an official cast member. His unique brand of absurdist humor, often involving banjos, arrows through the head, and dancing, made him an instant classic.

• First Hosting Gig: October 23, 1976 (Season 2)
• Signature Moments: His famous "King Tut" musical number, his iconic "Dancing in the Dark" sketch with Gilda Radner, and his recent appearances alongside Martin Short.
• The Long-Time Record: Martin held the record for the most hosting times for many years until Alec Baldwin surpassed him. He remains a comedic legend and a foundational figure in SNL's history.

3. John Goodman (13 Times)

John Goodman stands as a comedic powerhouse, having hosted SNL 13 times. Goodman’s imposing presence and incredible range allowed him to tackle a diverse array of characters, often playing figures of authority, working-class men, or, famously, women in drag. His long and consistent hosting run, which included 11 seasons in a row from Season 15 to 25, is a record in itself for consecutive season hosting.

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• Notable Impressions: Goodman’s most memorable and surprising impression was his recurring portrayal of White House Secretary Linda Tripp during the late 1990s.
• Versatility: He is one of the few hosts capable of convincingly playing both Bill Clinton and a parody of the figure he was impersonating, demonstrating his mastery of character work.

The Legendary Five-Timers Club: An Exclusive Roster

The "Five-Timers Club" is perhaps the most famous and exclusive honor bestowed by Saturday Night Live. Founded with the introduction of the sketch "The Five-Timers Club" on December 3, 1990, during an episode hosted by Tom Hanks, the club is a fictional, yet very real, distinction for those who have hosted the show five or more times. Membership is symbolized by a custom-embroidered smoking jacket.

As of the most recent seasons, the club boasts over 20 members, including actors, comedians, and musicians. The club's continued expansion highlights the show's longevity and its ability to attract A-list talent for repeat performances. The inclusion of recent inductees like Emma Stone and Martin Short keeps the tradition alive and relevant for new generations of viewers.

Notable Members of the SNL Five-Timers Club (5+ Hosting Gigs)

The full list of members is a who's who of Hollywood's elite, with many having gone on to become major movie and television stars. Their repeated returns to Studio 8H demonstrate a deep connection to the show and a willingness to embrace the chaos of live television.

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Here is a list of other prominent members who have achieved the coveted five-timer status, ranked by their total number of appearances:

• Tom Hanks (10 Times): A beloved host, Hanks is synonymous with the club itself, having starred in the original sketch. His most famous recurring character is the quirky, philosophical security guard, David S. Pumpkins.
• Chevy Chase (8 Times): An original cast member, Chase was the first former cast member to return and host the show.
• Paul Simon (8 Times): The musician is a unique entry, often serving as both host and musical guest.
• Drew Barrymore (6 Times): One of the youngest people to ever host, making her debut at age 7.
• Tina Fey (6 Times): An SNL writer, head writer, and cast member, Fey’s hosting gigs are a testament to her deep roots in the show.
• Ben Affleck (5 Times): The Academy Award-winning actor has consistently proven his comedic chops on the SNL stage.
• Justin Timberlake (5 Times): Known for his musical performances and viral sketches like "Dick in a Box" and "The Barry Gibb Talk Show."
• Scarlett Johansson (6 Times): One of the more recent female hosts to achieve this milestone.
• Jon Hamm (5 Times): The Mad Men star is a respected member, known for his commitment to character.
• Bill Murray (5 Times): Another legendary former cast member who has returned to host.
• Emma Stone (5 Times): Inducted in 2019, she is one of the younger members of the club.
• Martin Short (5 Times): The comedy legend, and co-star of Steve Martin, was inducted into the club in 2022.

The Enduring Legacy of the Most Frequent Hosts

The stars who have hosted SNL the most—Baldwin, Martin, and Goodman—share a common trait: a chameleon-like ability to fit into the show’s demanding live format. They are more than just celebrities plugging a movie; they are performers who understand the rhythm of sketch comedy and the unique energy of Studio 8H. Their repeated invitations speak to their reliability, their chemistry with the ensemble cast, and their genuine love for the craft.

For Alec Baldwin, his 17 appearances are a monumental achievement that may stand for a very long time. While Steve Martin and John Goodman are close, the gap between the top three and the rest of the club is substantial, making their runs historically significant. The topical authority of these hosts is undeniable, as their most famous sketches are still referenced and streamed today, cementing their place as the true masters of the Saturday Night Live stage.

The "Five-Timers Club" remains an active and evolving institution. Every season brings new possibilities for a star to join the ranks, but the record held by Alec Baldwin is a high bar that only the most talented and dedicated hosts will ever hope to clear.