‘SNL’ Recap: Josh O’Connor Strips, Lily Allen Surprises as Madeline

In the latest episode of “Saturday Night Live,” British actor Josh O’Connor took on the hosting role for the first time. O’Connor, renowned for his portrayal of Prince Charles in “The Crown,” had mixed results during his appearance, leaving a minimal impact on the audience.

Sketch Highlights from O’Connor’s Hosting Debut

Throughout the episode, O’Connor participated in various sketches, primarily in supporting roles. His character depictions included:

• The Tin Man in a reimagined “Wizard of Oz” sketch.
• A fellow student alongside Bowen Yang in a sketch about a 12-year-old college prodigy.
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in a Christmas-themed piece.
• An awkward participant at a brunch gathering.
• A bad intern in a hospital setting.
• A sensitive male stripper at a bachelorette party.

While O’Connor’s performances occasionally shone, most of the episode’s comedic energy came from other cast members, particularly Bowen Yang. Yang showcased his versatility by taking on multiple characters, including the Wizard and the energetic doctor.

Lily Allen’s Show-Stopping Performance

The musical guest, Lily Allen, brought a dramatic flair to the episode with her performances of “Sleepwalking” and “Madeline,” the latter reflecting her recent breakup album. Notably, Dakota Johnson made a surprise appearance during the performance, enhancing the emotional impact of the song.

Allen also featured in a brunch sketch where she served as a waitress, blending seamlessly with the comedic elements while her song “West End Girl” served as the backdrop.

Additional Sketches and Highlights

This episode of “SNL” also included an animated short titled “Brad and His Dad,” themed around Christmas. The cold open featured James Austin Johnson impersonating former President Trump, providing humor through an absurd monologue filled with nonsensical statements about political issues.

O’Connor’s monologue revealed two fun facts about him. He identified himself as a “soft boy” with hobbies like crafting and gardening. He humorously compared his appearance to Linguini from Pixar’s “Ratatouille,” expressing interest in possibly portraying the character in a future adaptation.

Noteworthy Moments in “Weekend Update”

On “Weekend Update,” comedians Jane Wickline and Marcello Hernández delivered memorable performances. Wickline sang about the real-world challenges posed by adult child actors from “Stranger Things,” while Hernández humorously reflected on his experiences during Christmas with his Cuban family.

Overall, while O’Connor’s debut was not filled with standout moments, the episode offered plenty of comedic and musical highlights, ensuring it remained entertaining for viewers.