Like the Saturday Night Live Five-Timers Club, the Hallmark of Fame stands as a marker of comedic excellence. It symbolizes longevity in the sketch comedy part of things. The club inducts people who have hosted the legendary show at least five times. It opened its doors to new members while celebrating the rich legacies of its established members’ histories. Golden Globe winners Tina Fey, Candice Bergen, and Drew Barrymore have ushered newcomers into this exclusive club graciously. These are remarkable people who have helped everybody feel welcome.
In 2018, Fey, Bergen and Barrymore reunited to officially welcome Jonah Hill into the Five-Timers Club. This event highlighted the continued legacy of SNL and showcased the impact that these comedy veterans have had on the show and its culture. Hosting SNL is not just about performing. It is a rite of passage, a testament to an artist’s ability to connect with audiences through humor.
A Historic Legacy
The Five-Timers Club has produced a variety of iconic hosts throughout its illustrious history. Perhaps the best known figure connected with the club is Bill Murray, who has hosted SNL six times. Murray made his SNL stage debut on February 23, 2008. He was officially welcomed into the Five-Timers Club on December 19, 2015. His work as director and cinematographer has had an indelible impact on what ultimately became the television event of our lifetimes.
Actor, comedian, and musician Steve Martin occupies a rarefied space in this elite circle. He first hosted SNL on December 14, 1985 and has since hosted the show a record-setting ten times. He entered the exclusive Five-Timers Club on December 8, 1990. This landmark further cemented his legacy as one of SNL’s most treasured icons. The timeless appeal of Martin’s artistry still speaks to audiences today, adding even more mystique to the club’s legacy.
Tina Fey is the other big name often linked to this exclusive club. In 2009 she became the first woman ever to host SNL six times. This extraordinary accomplishment is a true testament to her exceptional talents and her incredible dedication to the craft of comedy. In characteristic fashion, Fey effortlessly combines humor and social critique. It’s this incredible talent that has turned her into one of the most memorable characters on the series for decades.
New Members and Celebrations
The Five-Timers Club is not only a retrospective on its fabled members. It is a forward-looking celebration. Tina Fey, Candice Bergen, and Steve Martin traditionally welcomed John Mulaney into the club. This moment represented yet another important turning point in SNL’s history. Mulaney’s delicate touch combined with his fierce intelligence and masterful performance skills have made him one of the comedic elite, and he deserves every ounce of respect.
Jack White was a pretty big deal in 2023. He got an official Five-Timers Club jacket to go with it, on the occasion of his fifth appearance as a musical guest! This gesture beautifully illustrates the club’s ongoing transformation to honor both comedic hosts and musical legends, just as easily.
Additionally, Melissa McCarthy joined the ranks of this exclusive club in 2017, showcasing her versatility as both a host and actress. Her unique and unforgettable sketches have charmed the world, winning fans across the globe. They’ve made her a favorite topic of conversation among American comedy’s beloved elder statesmen.
Unique Contributions
Many of those members have introduced their idiosyncratic brands of comedic weirdness to SNL. Each contribution has made that legacy all the more permanent. Justin Timberlake is currently tied for most shared hosting and musical guest responsibilities, showcasing his remarkable array of skills in the entertainment industry. His ubiquitousness has turned him into somewhat of a go to guy for SNL. Audiences love him for that big heart, the charisma, and the comedic timing.
Jonathan Demme was another creative force during a dark time for SNL. His leadership truly steered the exhibit away from choppy waters. Under his leadership, it continued to deserve its reputation as one of the great cornerstones of American satire and American comedy. The resilience of the show during such periods is a testament to the talent behind the scenes and in front of the camera.
The most successful types of sketches audiences gravitate towards are the ones that have the same central idea or character that uses satire to point out problems in society. Candice Bergen has noted that sketches like “Consumer Probe” and “The Right to Extreme Stupidity” are continuously highlighted by fans as memorable moments in SNL history. These types of sketches are more than just comedic relief. They’re thought provoking, reminding us of the impact that comedy can have to challenge social order.
