The Elite Roster: Ranking The 10 Stars Who Have Hosted SNL The Most Times (Plus The Newest 5-Timers)
For over five decades, Saturday Night Live (SNL) has served as the ultimate proving ground for comedic timing, dramatic chops, and pure star power. Hosting the iconic sketch show once is a career highlight, but returning again and again is a testament to an entertainer's enduring popularity and seamless chemistry with the legendary Studio 8H cast and crew. As of today, December 25, 2025, the title for the most frequent host in the show's history belongs to a Hollywood heavyweight whose political parodies and memorable characters have cemented his place in the record books.
The exclusive "Five-Timers Club" is the benchmark for SNL hosting greatness, but only a handful of stars have pushed past that initial milestone to reach truly staggering double-digit appearances. The current record holder stands at an impressive 17 hosting gigs, a number that may never be surpassed, making this list of the most frequent hosts a true representation of SNL royalty and the show's most beloved guests.
The Undisputed Champion: Who Has Hosted SNL the Most Times?
The record for the most times hosting Saturday Night Live is held by actor Alec Baldwin, who has graced the Studio 8H stage a remarkable 17 times.
Baldwin's tenure as a frequent host began in 1990 and spanned nearly three decades, with his final hosting appearance coming in 2017. His ability to effortlessly transition between high-brow comedy and broad, physical humor made him a favorite of both the writers and the audience. While his 17 official hosting stints are the record, he has also made countless non-hosting guest appearances, most famously for his Emmy-winning portrayal of Donald Trump.
Alec Baldwin: Biography and Notable SNL Moments
- Full Name: Alexander Rae Baldwin III
- Born: April 3, 1958, Amityville, New York
- Occupation: Actor, Producer, Comedian
- First SNL Host Date: February 17, 1990
- Record-Breaking Appearance (16th): September 24, 2011 (surpassing Steve Martin)
- Total Hosting Appearances: 17
- Notable SNL Characters/Sketches: Donald Trump (recurring political parody), Pete Schweddy (Schweddy Balls), Canteen Boy (opposite Adam Sandler), and his frequent appearances in the "Glengarry Glen Ross" parody, "Glengarry Glen Christmas."
The Elite Roster: SNL Hosts with 10 or More Appearances
While Alec Baldwin holds the top spot, the list of stars who have hosted 10 or more times is a short and prestigious one. These individuals are the absolute titans of the SNL stage, having proven their versatility and dedication to the late-night institution over decades.
- Alec Baldwin (17 Times): The current record holder. His 17th time hosting was in 2017.
- Steve Martin (16 Times): A comedy legend whose zany, absurdist style defined the early years of SNL. He held the record for many years before Baldwin surpassed him. Martin has also made numerous guest appearances, often alongside his longtime friend Martin Short.
- John Goodman (13 Times): The versatile actor is one of the most beloved hosts in the show's history, known for his commitment to character and his recurring role as the host of the "Dysfunctional Family Dinner" sketch.
- Buck Henry (10 Times): An original SNL favorite, Henry was the first person to host 10 times and was the show’s original "Five-Timer." He was famous for his recurring role as the man who was always hit in the head with a baseball bat.
- Tom Hanks (10 Times): The beloved actor is famous for his recurring character David S. Pumpkins, a Halloween favorite that became a viral sensation. He was the host who was inducted into the Five-Timers Club in the sketch that officially introduced the concept in 1990.
The Exclusive Five-Timers Club: History and Newest Members
The Five-Timers Club is the ultimate badge of honor for any non-cast member celebrity who has hosted Saturday Night Live. The concept was first introduced in a sketch on December 8, 1990, when Tom Hanks hosted for the fifth time.
The club is a fictional, exclusive society where members receive a special smoking jacket and have access to a private, luxurious lounge. The sketch has become a tradition, with established members often appearing to welcome the newest inductee. Membership is a true sign of a host's ability to connect with the audience and deliver consistently hilarious performances.
The Latest Inductees: Fresh Faces in the Club (2024-2025)
The club's roster is constantly growing, and the past couple of years have seen some major names earn their jackets, proving that the tradition is alive and well in the show's current era. These recent additions keep the topical authority of the show at an all-time high, showcasing a mix of former cast members and long-time friends of the show.
- Kristen Wiig (April 6, 2024): The former SNL cast member and comedy powerhouse returned to host for her fifth time, bringing her signature brand of absurd and hilarious characters back to Studio 8H. Her induction was a celebrated moment for fans of the show's modern era.
- Martin Short (December 21, 2024): The legendary comedian and former cast member (though briefly) joined the club in late 2024. Short, already an SNL icon through his sketch comedy history and frequent guest appearances, solidified his hosting legacy with his fifth official turn.
- Emma Stone (December 2023): The Academy Award-winning actress earned her jacket just before the 2024 inductees, showing her incredible versatility and commitment to the show's demanding live format.
The Full List of SNL Five-Timers Club Members (Entities)
The Five-Timers Club currently includes approximately 27 members (with some debate over how to count Paul Simon, who has hosted four times but appeared as a musical guest multiple times). This comprehensive list of SNL hosts who have hosted five or more times highlights the incredible pool of talent that has contributed to the show's success over the decades.
- Alec Baldwin (17 times)
- Steve Martin (16 times)
- John Goodman (13 times)
- Buck Henry (10 times)
- Tom Hanks (10 times)
- Chevy Chase (8 times)
- Christopher Walken (7 times)
- Drew Barrymore (6 times)
- Elliott Gould (6 times)
- Candice Bergen (5 times)
- Danny DeVito (6 times)
- Bill Murray (5 times)
- Paul Simon (5 times - 4 hosting, 1 musical guest/host)
- Ben Affleck (5 times)
- Tina Fey (6 times)
- Justin Timberlake (5 times)
- Jon Hamm (5 times)
- Scarlett Johansson (6 times)
- Melissa McCarthy (5 times)
- Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (5 times)
- Will Ferrell (5 times)
- Eddie Murphy (5 times)
- Paul Rudd (5 times)
- John Mulaney (5 times)
- Woody Harrelson (5 times)
- Emma Stone (5 times)
- Kristen Wiig (5 times)
- Martin Short (5 times)
The Future of the SNL Hosting Record
Alec Baldwin's record of 17 remains a monumental achievement. The current SNL landscape, which often favors one-off hosts promoting a new project, makes it increasingly difficult for any single star to rack up the double-digit appearances of the past.
However, the existence of the Five-Timers Club continues to be a major draw for celebrities. For many, earning that iconic smoking jacket is a career goal, a permanent stamp of approval from the most influential comedy show in television history. The next SNL host to reach the milestone will join an exclusive fraternity of comedic legends and Hollywood A-listers, proving that their connection with the audience—and their willingness to embrace the chaos of live television—is unmatched.
Potential future inductees, currently sitting on four hosting appearances, include stars like Ryan Gosling, Harry Styles, and Larry David, all of whom are just one show away from joining the ranks of SNL's most frequent and beloved guests. The anticipation for who will be next to join this exclusive group is a key part of the excitement surrounding every new season of Saturday Night Live.
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