Ryan Gosling Returns to SNL
Ryan Gosling hosted Saturday Night Live for the fourth time on March 7, 2026, bringing his signature charm and humor to the iconic stage. The episode was particularly notable as Gosling was promoting his new sci-fi film Project Hail Mary.
A Memorable Sketch
During the episode, Gosling participated in a sketch titled ‘Passing Notes’, which featured fellow cast member Ashley Padilla as a teacher named Ms. Perry. The sketch’s premise involved reading notes that had been altered since the rehearsal, leading to unexpected laughter from both the actors and the audience.
Gosling and Padilla found themselves breaking character multiple times, a hallmark of Gosling’s hosting style on SNL. He remarked, “I get in trouble a lot for laughing on the show,” highlighting the light-hearted atmosphere that often permeates his performances.
Guest Appearances and Performances
The episode also featured a surprise appearance by Harry Styles during Gosling’s monologue, adding to the excitement of the night. Musical guests Gorillaz provided a lively soundtrack, further enhancing the overall experience for viewers.
In another segment, Colin Jost performed a sketch as Pete Hegseth, contributing to the diverse range of comedy presented throughout the episode. Jost’s line, “This isn’t a war, OK? It’s a situationship,” resonated with the audience, showcasing the clever writing that SNL is known for.
Gosling first hosted SNL in 2015, and since then, he has developed a reputation for his ability to keep things spontaneous and entertaining. Lorne Michaels, the show’s creator, typically prefers performers to maintain their characters, but Gosling’s tendency to break character has become a beloved aspect of his appearances.
Reactions and Future Prospects
As the episode concluded, fans and critics alike took to social media to express their enjoyment of the night. The combination of Gosling’s comedic timing and Padilla’s engaging performance left a lasting impression.
While the details of future SNL episodes remain unconfirmed, the success of this sketch and the overall episode suggests that audiences can look forward to more entertaining moments from Gosling and the SNL cast in the future.
