Mikey Madison made her SNL hosting debut with Morgan Wallen as the musical guest, delivering a mixed performance with humorous moments but less impactful sketches, highlighting her natural charm despite the episode’s uneven execution.

Mikey Madison, recently crowned Best Actress for her role in Anora, took on the task of hosting Saturday Night Live for the first time, bringing her fresh energy to Studio 8H alongside musical guest Morgan Wallen.

Madison, known for her roles in Better Things and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, was a charismatic presence, delivering a monologue that showcased her quirky side.

She joked about her “relaxed vibe” in real life but acknowledged her on-screen history, where she’s often met violent ends in various roles.

The actress also joked about her childhood, showing a Halloween picture of herself as a “horse girl” and poking fun at her twin brother’s resemblance to Ron Weasley. Madison’s natural charm and sense of humor were on full display, giving fans a glimpse of her comedic potential beyond her acclaimed film career.

Despite the high expectations, Madison’s debut as host was met with mixed reactions.

The opening sketch, which featured Madison alongside SNL stars Ego Nwodim and Sarah Sherman as high school girls gossiping in a group chat, was clever but predictable, playing off current events, particularly the national security leaks in the news.

The sketch, which also featured SNL’s Andrew Dismukes as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, was playful but lacked the usual punch SNL sketches are known for.

As the night progressed, Madison found her groove with a series of comedic moments, although some sketches didn’t quite hit the mark.

One of the standout moments was her humorous take on being “set on fire twice” in movies and how she’s often cast in roles that involve intense action or violence, which she lovingly mocked.

Her “twin brother” gag, where she asked the audience to guess who in a lineup was her brother, also provided a lighthearted moment that endeared her to the crowd.

However, despite Madison’s natural flair, the show’s writing felt a bit too safe and lacked the sharpness that fans have come to expect from SNL. The sketches, including the return of “Acting Teacher 2,” fell flat in their humor, relying too heavily on repetitive jokes.

While SNL‘s creative team has certainly seen success with the Acting Teacher sketch before, this sequel didn’t seem to bring anything new or exciting to the table.

The show’s reliance on a loud, brash comedic style from Hernandez’s character failed to provide the punch it aimed for, leaving much to be desired.

In contrast, the musical performance by Morgan Wallen injected some life into the episode. Wallen, who has been a divisive figure due to past controversies, was welcomed back to the SNL stage for his second performance.

He performed his popular hits, showcasing his vocal range and musical talent. Despite his history, Wallen’s presence as a guest was a reminder of how music remains one of the most powerful forces in driving SNL’s cultural relevance.

Madison’s episode may not have been the most memorable SNL has seen, but it offered a glimpse into the versatility of the actress, who is continuing to expand her career in both film and television.

While the sketches might not have been as impactful as some fans hoped, Madison’s likable personality and willingness to laugh at herself were undeniable highlights of the night.

As for SNL, the show continues to march forward, still experimenting with new hosts and formats as it reaches a milestone 50th season.

With the looming presidential race and the potential for more political skits in the weeks ahead, it’s clear that the writing team is gearing up for what could be a season full of high-profile moments and timely commentary.

However, for now, fans are left wondering how the show will evolve and whether future hosts can match the energetic and unpredictable spirit that SNL was once known for.

Madison’s debut marks another step in her growing career, and though the episode was mixed in terms of comedic execution, her star power continues to shine.

Whether or not the show’s next few episodes will capture that spark remains to be seen, but with such a talented lineup of hosts and musical guests, there’s always hope that SNL can find its way back to the sharp, timely humor that made it a cultural staple.