The Return of SNL's Five-Timers Club Sketch: A Look Behind the Scenes and Its Inspiration
Saturday Night Live's long-running Five-Timers Club sketch made a memorable return during the final episode of 2024, welcoming actor Martin Short as its latest inductee. This iconic moment, filled with cameos from A-list stars, never fails to delight fans, showcasing the exclusivity of the club for those who've hosted SNL five times or more. However, the story behind the sketch is just as intriguing as its appearances on the show.
Former SNL writer and producer Robert Smigel, a key figure in creating the Five-Timers Club , took to Instagram to explain its origins after Kristen Wiig joined the club. Smigel, who was part of the show’s creative team from 1985 to 2013, revealed that the idea for the sketch came about during Tom Hanks’ fifth time hosting SNL in December 1990. Hanks, in his monologue, joked about the honor of being invited back to host five times and mentioned how those who reached the milestone received an exclusive "Five-Timers Club" card. This joke stuck with Smigel and fellow writer Conan O’Brien, who quickly realized the comedic potential of this concept.
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The sketch that followed, originally written by Smigel and O'Brien, played on the absurdity of celebrity exclusivity. It parodied the SNL tradition of celebrating frequent hosts with a club that seemed more serious and ceremonial than it actually was. The tone of the sketch was a playful critique of the delicate balance between being “cool” and being “funny,” a dynamic Smigel and O'Brien had always found hilarious in the world of show business. Hanks, with his endearing persona and comedic timing, was a perfect fit to help bring this concept to life.
Interestingly, while Tom Hanks was the first to bring attention to the Five-Timers milestone during his 1990 hosting gig, Chevy Chase holds the distinction of being the first person to reach the five-time hosting mark. Over the years, the club has inducted over a dozen famous faces, from comedic legends like Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin to musicians like Jack White. Each induction is a spectacle, often involving a slew of famous guests who are all part of this exclusive SNL club.
This most recent Five-Timers Club sketch, which celebrated Martin Short's induction, included several familiar faces, such as Tom Hanks, Kristen Wiig, and Tina Fey, all of whom have made their own memorable appearances on SNL. The humor of these sketches lies in the unexpected surprises and the joy of watching these stars celebrate each other’s milestones. With each new inductee, the Five-Timers Club continues to build its legendary reputation, drawing fans in for the unpredictable cameos that always accompany such events.
As the show reaches its 50th season, it’s clear that the Five-Timers Club will remain a cherished part of the SNL tradition. The fact that it continues to bring together stars from different fields of entertainment makes it an ever-evolving sketch, ensuring that the club will grow in both membership and in significance. Who will be the next to join? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: more fun and laughter are on the way.
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