Will Ferrell is back for another Saturday Night Live gig, his sixth time as a host.
The actor and comedian, 58, joins the rare group of celebrity hosts who’ve gone beyond the illustrious five-timer club, doing so with his season-ending stint as the host on May 16’s episode (joined by Paul McCartney as the musical guest).
Season 51 Recap
However, Will also holds the distinction of being one of the few SNL former cast members who’ve returned since to lead the show, joining the likes of Tina Fey and Chevy Chase.
Will’s latest hosting gig is his first time doing so in nearly seven years, and comes just over 30 years after he made his debut on the sketch comedy show. Take a look at his tenure on the show in photos below…
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 5 — Pictured: (l-r) Will Ferrell as Craig Buchanan, Cheri Oteri as Aranna during the ‘Football Game’ skit on November 11, 1995
1995
In 1995, with the show’s 21st season, Will officially made his debut as a cast member, and quickly became known for his screwball sensibilities, ease with physical comedy, and ability to lean into funny accents and impressions.
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 4 — Aired 11/04/2000 — Pictured: Will Ferrell as George W. Bush during “A Glimpse of our Possible Future” skit
2000
His impressions, in particular, made him one of the show’s most notable stars, particularly for playing the likes of Alex Trebek, Neil Diamond, Ted Kennedy, Al Gore, and his arguably most famous, then-president George W. Bush.
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 20 — Air Date 05/18/2002 — Pictured: The Saturday Night Live Cast during Will Ferrell’s final send-off on May 18, 2002
2002
In 2002, after a seven-year tenure, Will (and Ana Gasteyer, also pictured) departed SNL. The actor was absent from several episodes during his final season while he was filming Old School, with the season finale being his final turn as a main cast member.
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 19 — Aired 05/14/2005 — Pictured: Will Ferrell during the monologue
2005
Just a few years later, though, Will returned to host SNL for the very first time. By this point, he was well known as part of Hollywood’s “Frat Pack,” and had credits like Old School, Elf (both 2003), Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, and Starsky & Hutch (both 2004) under his belt.
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — “Will Ferrell” Episode 1774 — Pictured: Host Will Ferrell during the Monologue on Saturday, November 23, 2019
2019
By November 2019, Will was one of the most recognizable faces in comedy in Hollywood, an executive producer for the Emmy-winning drama Succession, and a two-time Golden Globe nominee. His return as a host (with King Princess as the musical guest) finally pushed him to the five-timers club.
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 1904 — Pictured: (l-r) Musical guest Paul McCartney, host Will Ferrell, and Marcello Hernández during Promos on Thursday, May 14, 2026
2026
After a six and a half year hiatus, Will returned as the host for May 16’s season 51 finale, joining the Wings frontman as musical guest for his sixth time as the host. And it’s safe to say, he’s definitely still got it!
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