Top 20 Hilarious SNL Sketches with a Host & Their Significant Other

#20: Jessica Simpson & Nick Lachey

Season 29

In this sketch, Jimmy Fallon returns as Joey Mack. His character welcomes this singing couple as guests. What starts off cordial quickly becomes an attack, with Mack mispronouncing Nick Lachey’s name and goofing on him the whole time. Fallon incorporates some extra voices to add to the fun while Jessica Simpson plays gullible. With the jokes adding up, Lachey has enough after the radio host creates a fake manager character. There’s a crazy energy here that’s both silly and somewhat accurate to real celebrity interviews. We’re also highly entertained by these guest stars and their ability to mess with each other on camera.

#19: Tom Green & Drew Barrymore

Season 26

When somebody like Tom Green is involved, you never know what could happen. His episode as a host included a memorable monologue with his parents. After introducing his mom and dad, Green welcomes his fiancee Drew Barrymore for a special surprise. The host sets up what might’ve been one of the more shocking moments in “SNL” history. Barrymore plays up the sketch like she has no idea what’s going on, doing a great job at selling the premise. Green even pretends to be angry before revealing the ruse. Adding a cliffhanger about their marriage, this funny and tense introduction proves to be a perfect blend of chaos.

#18: Britney Spears & Justin Timberlake

Season 27

These popstars were one of the famous music couples of the early 2000s. When Britney Spears hosted “SNL,” she took an opportunity to bring her NSYNC boyfriend along. The bubbly guest shares the stage with Chris Kattan as the latter tries to mimic her style. After a compelling dance-off, Justin Timberlake comes on stage to settle the score. The latter shows that he has enough talent to warrant several return trips, one of which included his wife Jessica Biel (xref). After mistaking Kattan for his girlfriend, Timberlake helps deliver one of the better punchlines in this monologue. It seems rare to have this kind of comprehensive and comedic snapshot of pop culture.

#17: Roseanne Barr & Tom Arnold

Season 17

No strangers to “SNL,” both performers hosted the show separately and as a couple. They also made an effective comedy team in this meta sketch. Appearing for an episode of “Sally Jessy Raphael,” Roseanne Barr and Tom Arnold were willing to joke about their marriage. This includes reacting to cast members Chris Farley and Victoria Jackson in an outrageous biopic. The multi-layered scene is both ambitious and full of some worthwhile digs at celebrity culture. With Barr and Arnold both game to do some self-reflective material, the co-hosts know the ropes and offer up an engaging sketch.

#16: Chris Pratt & Anna Faris

Season 40

When the “Guardians of the Galaxy” star hosted “SNL,” he couldn’t help but celebrate the occasion by taking a look at his career up to that point. Chris Pratt then takes out a guitar and performs a heartwarming tune. Endearing himself to the audience, the actor doesn’t let the occasional mistake stop him from enjoying the moment. The actor also points out his wife Anna Faris in the audience. After complimenting her, he also includes a funny description of their family life. Faris’ own comedy background enhances the monologue with her quick reactions. Their chemistry seems apparent even with their brief time on screen.

#15: Danny DeVito & Rhea Perlman

Season 9

Back in the 1980s, this married couple hosted an episode together. Both performers brought their sitcom instincts to sketches like this one set at Disney. When their characters are trapped on the “It’s a Small World” ride, both actors play up the absurd situation. Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman have separately earned the right to appear in any comedic scenario they want. For this amusement park-themed scene, the duo combat the unthinkable as an annoying song keeps playing. While the absurd ending might be a bit much, this concept lets both DeVito and Perlman remind people why they’re TV comedy legends.

#14: Alec Baldwin & Kim Basinger

Season 19

Celebrating their marriage, Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger started off their joint episode with lots of affection. The tone changes as they start to divulge their inner feelings about each other. With Basinger starting a trend, the husband and wife confess some troubling thoughts about one another. This includes poking fun at their acting careers and lives as celebrities. Some of Baldwin’s confessions are even more surprising, with talk of inflatable dolls going over surprisingly well. They both stay positive as the hilarious confessions keep streaming out. It’s much funnier to see them react with such positivity, avoiding the hot-headed reactions that might’ve happened in real life.

#13: Ben Affleck & Gwyneth Paltrow

Season 25

Before Jennifer Lopez or Jennifer Garner, Ben Affleck dated Gwyneth Paltrow. He took an opportunity as host to shout out the fellow Oscar winner in the audience. What seems like a brief cameo extends into a larger role, with the “Shakespeare in Love” actress taking the stage to mess with the host. The scene continues as the two argue about where Paltrow should be. As the awkwardness builds, you want to laugh due to the growing cringe factor. With Affleck using some passive-aggressive phrases, he starts to make it clear that he wants to be alone. The couple then throw in a few more jokes at each other’s expense. This includes some funny references to Matt Damon and the “Argo” director’s writing career.

#12: Rob Reiner & Penny Marshall

Season 1

In the first season of “SNL,” many legends hosted the show. Rob Reiner took the reins for the third episode with help from then-wife Penny Marshall. For this sketch, the two engage in an experimental scene that goes off the rails. Reiner and Marshall try to have a conversation until the bees interrupt them. Breaking the fourth wall, the actor finally confronts the buzzing guests before all hell breaks loose. Once John Belushi’s character jumps in, the scene almost breaks apart in a surreal takedown of comedic norms. It’s a bizarre script that gives both the couple and the cast members a chance to show their versatility.

#11: Scarlett Johansson & Colin Jost

Season 45

Having hosted several times, Scarlett Johansson continues to prove that she’s ready for anything. She’s even more tied to the show now that she’s married to “Weekend Update” anchor Colin Jost. During her 2019 episode, the actress referenced her role in the “Avengers” movies. Cast members start to disappear until Jost shows up. In their awkward exchange, the couple seem remarkably comfortable poking fun at their relationship. Johansson keeps the charm going even when she’s taking a swipe at her partner. After this parody comes to a close, the guest host throws out a heartwarming message to her comedy beau.

#10: Megan Mullally & Nick Offerman

Season 29

During Megan Mullally’s 2004 “SNL” hosting stint, her husband, Nick Offerman, who she had married just the year before, made a quiet but charming cameo in the audience during the Golden Globes sketch. Offerman doesn’t say a word, but the way he watches Mullally get progressively more inebriated and unhinged as the bit goes on is hilarious in itself. The comedy reached its peak when Mullally's wobbly character nearly toppled over, prompting Offerman to step in and steady her - a sweet metaphor for their actual relationship. Their real-life chemistry translated perfectly on screen, with Offerman's characteristic restraint making the perfect counterbalance to Mullally's over-the-top performance.

#9: Kit Harington & Rose Leslie

Season 44

When Kit Harington hosted in April 2019, his opening monologue became a mini “Game of Thrones” reunion. Among the audience members peppering him with questions about the series finale were his co-stars John Bradley and Emilia Clarke. But much later, his wife, Rose Leslie, also popped up. Rather than asking for spoilers like the others, Leslie had more practical concerns about their financial situation. Her deadpan delivery highlighted the real-life aftermath of starring in a cultural phenomenon. Leslie also demanded to know when he’d be growing back his beard, which he shaved off for a movie. Their authentic rapport shone through in this playful exchange, proving that their chemistry extends far beyond their on-screen romance.

#8: Tina Fey & Jeff Richmond

Season 43

“SNL” loves a meta sketch, and when Tina Fey returned to host the Season 43 finale, they reached deep to create one. During the episode, Fey brought on her real-life husband, composer and producer Jeff Richmond, in a sketch about their “Mean Girls” collaboration. In the pre-recorded short, Richmond played himself opposite Tony-winning director Casey Nicholaw, both addressing Fey’s determination to cast herself in the stage production despite her self-admitted shortcomings. It was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it treat, as Richmond listed all the reasons why he believed his wife would not be the best choice for the part. Though his screen time was brief, the moment perfectly captured the couple's ability to lovingly mock both themselves and their working relationship.

#7: Ben Affleck & Jennifer Garner

Season 38

Ben Affleck's 2013 hosting gig provided the perfect opportunity to address his infamous Oscar acceptance speech gaffe. After calling his marriage to Jennifer Garner “work” during his win for the movie “Argo,” Affleck invited his then-wife onstage during his opening monologue to clear the air. Garner played along brilliantly, challenging him with the fact that he probably shouldn’t have shared that with the public. The couple then hilariously translated what he meant to say, with Garner offering her own interpretation of his words while maintaining perfect comic timing. Although their marriage ultimately ended a few years later, this was a clever way to flip an embarrassing slip into a memorable and endearing moment.

#6: Elon Musk & Grimes

Season 46

The “Wario” sketch during Elon Musk's controversial hosting stint featured an unexpected cameo from his then-partner, musician Grimes. While Musk played the mustachioed Nintendo villain on trial for Mario's murder, Grimes appeared as Princess Peach, complete with a blonde wig, pink dress, and comically exaggerated Italian accent. The bizarre casting of this famously unconventional couple in a video game courtroom drama somehow made perfect sense, especially given their reputation for doing unorthodox things, like naming their child X Æ A-12. Though neither are professional actors, they fully committed to the absurdity of the premise. Seeing the avant-garde musician and tech billionaire together in such a ridiculous scenario created a surreal comedy moment only “SNL” could deliver.

#5: Carey Mulligan & Marcus Mumford

Season 46

Carey Mulligan's April 2021 hosting monologue featured a charming interruption from her husband, Mumford & Sons frontman Marcus Mumford. Midway through her introduction, Mulligan spotted Mumford in the audience, even though she had just said he was home watching their kids. He then brought out his guitar and volunteered to be the musical guest, only for Mulligan to remind him that rap star Kid Cudi was already booked. Mulligan's exasperation played perfectly against Mumford's eager-puppy energy. The segment highlighted their genuine affection while poking fun at the musician's enthusiasm. Eventually, Mulligan relented, allowing him to provide acoustic accompaniment for her monologue; a sweet moment showcasing their support for each other's careers.

#4: Cameron Diaz & Justin Timberlake

Season 30

Between 2003 and 2006, actress Cameron Diaz was in a relationship with Justin Timberlake. During that period, Diaz hosted an episode of “SNL,” during which Timberlake made a cameo in the recurring fan-favorite “Barry Gibb Talk Show” sketch. While he donned the signature Bee Gees-style wig and open shirt as Robin Gibb, Diaz appeared as Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi. The sketch created a delicious layer of meta-comedy as Diaz maintained her composure opposite Timberlake's ridiculous falsetto performance and exaggerated disco movements. Every time Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon broke into their signature musical interludes, Diaz skillfully played the straight woman to their over-the-top antics. The real-life couple's contrasting energies created comedic gold that transcended their off-screen relationship, which ended the following year.

#3: Ashton Kutcher & Demi Moore

Season 30

When Ashton Kutcher hosted “SNL” in March 2005, he tackled the media obsession surrounding his relationship with Demi Moore head-on. During his monologue, Kutcher addressed the 15-year age gap that had tabloids buzzing, joking about dating a much older woman. The punchline arrived when the cameras cut to Moore in the audience, wearing elaborate old-age makeup and a gray wig. Then, Kutcher invited Moore to join him onstage and she shuffled up using a walker. The audience erupted as Moore fully committed to the elderly caricature while Kutcher played the dutiful young boyfriend. Their willingness to so thoroughly mock the very criticisms that followed them everywhere demonstrated their shared sense of humor.

#2: Steve Carell & Nancy Walls

Season 33

During his second hosting gig, Steve Carell admitted in his opening monologue that he had taken one too many energy drinks to help him get through the long week at “SNL.” Feeling a panic after that much intake, Carell then fled the stage and attempted to escape the studio. While running around, he stumbled upon a familiar face: his real-life wife and former "SNL" cast member, Nancy Walls. With characteristic deadpan humor, Walls gave her flustered husband a much-needed pep talk, advising him to just push through it. Their genuine connection made the scripted moment feel authentic, with Walls being the perfect supportive spouse.

#1: Ryan Reynolds & Scarlett Johansson

Season 35

In October 2009, Ryan Reynolds hosted an episode of “SNL,” during which he got a surprise assist from then-wife Scarlett Johansson in the commercial parody “Mike’s Fountainry.” The sketch centers on Fred Armisen’s salesman Mike pitching gaudy porcelain fountains with his family. Johansson pops in as his daughter Lexi, reprising a character she’d played earlier when she hosted the show. Reynolds then makes an appearance, sporting a mustache as Mike’s awkward son-in-law who installs the fountains. He and Johansson share a beat that undercut the already absurd sketch with genuine chemistry. It’s funnier because they clearly know how ridiculous the premise is, and watching the former couple perform together just adds an extra layer of charm to the gag.

Did we forget another time a couple took the “SNL” stage together? Let us know in the comments below.