Top 10 SNL Hosts Who Pulled Double Duty

#10: Britney Spears

Season 27

When Britney Spears returned to Studio 8H in 2002, she already knew the drill. This was her second time pulling double duty after first doing so in Season 25, when she was just 19 years old. This time around, you could tell she felt way more comfortable. Her monologue featured a cameo from then-boyfriend Justin Timberlake, who also introduced her first musical performance. Sketch-wise, Spears was game. She fully jumped into the absurdity of every bit, from the ridiculous “Inside Barbie’s Dreamhouse” sketch to the final iteration of the Gemini’s Twin series. She also delivered polished performances of “I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman” and “Boys,” a well-rounded showcase from arguably the biggest pop star at the time.

#9: Harry Styles

Season 45

After multiple appearances on the show, Harry Styles finally stepped into the “SNL” hosting chair for Season 45. This episode marked his fifth appearance as a musical guest, having already performed three times alongside One Direction and once as a solo artist. This time, he was as remarkable as ever, delivering renditions of his tracks “Lights Up” and “Watermelon Sugar.” His performance as a host, though, showed a different side of him entirely. Styles gave it his all and was completely game for anything the writers threw at him, whether he was playing an overeager intern or an unusually thirsty social media manager. He returned for double duty in Season 51, notably crashing Ryan Gosling’s monologue the week before to take notes.

#8: Chance the Rapper

Season 45

Chance the Rapper had already proven his comedic prowess by the time he returned to pull double duty on Season 45. Having already appeared as a musical guest twice and hosted a separate episode, where Eminem handled the music, he knew exactly what the “SNL” machine looked like from the inside. And you could easily see that from the way he handled himself. His eccentric sports reporter Lazlo Holmes made a comeback, but we were also gifted new characters like Judge Barry, who became instant fan favorites. Throughout the episode, Chance leaned fully into the silliness, which certainly always helps on “SNL.” When you've been in and around the building that long, you tend to know how to make it work.

#7: Taylor Swift

Season 35

During her first appearance as a musical guest in Season 34, Taylor Swift showed signs she had what it took to deliver as a host. The following season, she got the chance to prove that. Her opening monologue, which she wrote herself, turned into a mini musical roast of her own life. From then on, Swift flexed her comedic muscles, delivering a spot-on impression of Kate Gosselin. Holding her own alongside heavy hitters like Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig and Kenan Thompson is no small feat, but Swift managed it with surprising ease. With musical performances of “You Belong With Me” and “Untouchable,” this rounded out to be one of the most impressive showings from the career of an already impressive performer.

#6: Stevie Wonder

Season 8

When Stevie Wonder pulled double duty in Season 8, the episode had a genuinely unique dynamic. Eddie Murphy was still a cast member at the time and had made a habit of impersonating Wonder on the show. Having the real Stevie in the building made for some brilliantly self-aware moments between the two. When it came time for the musical segments, Wonder reminded everyone exactly why he’s legendary. Sitting at the piano, he performed “Overjoyed” and “Go Home” with the kind of effortless brilliance that makes you forget you're watching a television program. This episode marked the last appearance of Murphy’s Stevie Wonder impression, because once the real guy shows up and delivers like that, there’s simply no topping it.

#5: Donald Glover

Season 43

After unsuccessfully auditioning for “SNL” in 2008, Donald Glover made his first official appearance on the show ten years later as both host and musical guest. The night felt electric from start to finish. Glover’s comedic instincts felt effortless, which makes sense considering his background in comedy writing and acting before his music career exploded. Every sketch was more hilarious than the last, with Glover taking a central role in every one, from playing a ridiculous lawyer in the courtroom sketch to an even more ridiculous social media intern in “Barbie Instagram.” This episode also saw the live debut of his song “This Is America,” which was released simultaneously and went on to win Record and Song of the Year at the Grammys.

#4: Lady Gaga

Season 50

Lady Gaga has pulled double duty twice but her second time was definitively better. Performing “Abracadabra” and “Killah” from her album “Mayhem,” Gaga brought the full theatrical spectacle you’d expect, with vocals that silenced any doubt about her staying power. What truly elevated the episode was how willing she was to just let loose and be funny. Gaga leaned into the comedy sketches with genuine self-awareness, whether they were musical-themed like “Wonderful Tonight” or carried a bit of her dark energy like “Birthday at Friendly’s.” Watching her jump from absurd sketches to arena-level musical moments within minutes felt like witnessing two different performers at the top of their game. That’s just the kind of range Lady Gaga possesses.

#3: Bruno Mars

Season 38

Singer, producer, instrumentalist, dancer; Bruno Mars has always been something of a Swiss Army knife when it comes to entertainment. But we’d never really seen a comedic side to him until he hosted “SNL.” Mars performed “Locked Out of Heaven” and “Young Girls” with the kind of groove that is simply his default setting. But beyond that, he also tore through a series of killer musical impressions in a sketch about a fictional Pandora station that loses its transmission. Mars committed fully to every joke, never once looking like a pop star slumming it in comedy. The digital short “Sad Mouse,” where he plays a melancholy Times Square mascot, still stands out as beautifully bizarre. Few double duty hosts have made it look this easy.

#2: Ariana Grande

Season 41

She’s now one of the most beloved “SNL” hosts of the 2020s, but Ariana Grande’s first time in the hosting chair already hinted at that status. The “Pandora” sketch from Bruno Mars’ episode was revived here, with Grande unleashing an incredible range of musical impressions – from Britney Spears to Céline Dion and even Whitney Houston. The “Dangerous Woman” era was in full swing and Grande’s musical performances matched the confidence she brought to every sketch. When she wasn’t impersonating Jennifer Lawrence to hilarious effect, she was playing a troubled nun confronting her fellow sisters for gossipping about her. Grande handled both sides of the job like a pro and it’s easy to see why she has been invited back again and again.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Billie Eilish, Season 47

The First 21st Century-Born Host, Eilish Proved Brooding & Funny Aren’t Mutually Exclusive

Elton John, Season 36

Several Cameos & a Wonderful Showing From John Made This Episode a Celebratory Night

Janet Jackson, Season 29

Two Months After Her Wardrobe Malfunction, Jackson Made a Brave Return to Live TV

Mick Jagger, Season 37

The Rolling Stones Frontman Brought Rockstar Swagger to This Solo Gig

Queen Latifah, Season 30

With an Effortlessly Cool Showing, Latifah Reinforced Her Entertainment Royalty Status

#1: Justin Timberlake

Season 32

When the conversation turns to double duty “SNL” legends, Justin Timberlake is the benchmark against which everyone else gets measured. A proud Five-Timer, Timberlake has served as his own musical guest three separate times, just one appearance shy of Paul Simon's all-time record. His Season 32 double duty episode stands definitively above the rest for one landmark reason: it introduced the world to “D*** in a Box.” The collaborative short with The Lonely Island became an immediate cultural phenomenon and later won an Emmy for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics. While there were several original sketches, beloved segments like “The Barry Gibb Talk Show” also made a comeback. Hilarious comedy, showstopping music performances and mysterious gift boxes – this episode had everything.

Who else would you like to see pull double duty at “SNL”? Share your thoughts in the comments below.