Ariana Grande’s Return as ‘SNL’ Host: All 7 Sketches Ranked

Ariana Grande returned to Studio 8H for her second time hosting Saturday Night Live, and while her musical performance was electrifying, it was her comedic chops that truly stole the show.  Here’s a look at all 7 sketches from the episode, ranked from good to great:

7.“Weekend Update” Cold Open: While the usual “Weekend Update” cast members were on point with their political satire, Grande’s appearance as a “Weekend Update” correspondent felt a bit forced. Her jokes didn’t quite land as smoothly as the rest of the segment.

6.“Baby Shower”: This sketch, featuring the iconic “Baby One More Time” parody, showcased Grande’s ability to play both silly and sophisticated. While the concept wasn’t groundbreaking, her comedic timing and energy kept it entertaining.

5.“The Christmas Debate”: This spoof of political debates was a tad over-the-top, relying heavily on stereotypical caricatures. However, Grande’s performance as a passionate politician provided some laughs, especially when she launched into a surprisingly accurate impersonation of Hillary Clinton.

4.“Celebrity Jeopardy!”: This was a classic “SNL” formula done right. Grande, alongside Kenan Thompson and Mikey Day, brought out the competitive spirit, resulting in some genuinely funny moments. 

3.“The Dress”: This sketch saw Grande tackling a more serious topic with an unexpected twist. Her performance as a woman obsessed with a specific dress was both relatable and hilarious, highlighting her ability to switch gears between comedic and dramatic.

2.“Housewives”:  This sketch, which saw Grande playing a hilariously over-the-top housewife, was a highlight of the night. The rapid-fire delivery, absurd scenarios, and Grande’s comedic timing combined perfectly for a truly uproarious performance.

1.“The Californians”: This recurring sketch, featuring the quirky characters of “The Californians”, is always a crowd-pleaser, and Grande fit right in. Her ability to play a seemingly normal character with a surprising twist, while still managing to deliver hilarious lines, made this sketch an absolute winner.

Grande proved her comedic prowess in this episode. She brought the funny, displayed a surprising versatility, and further solidified her status as a comedic force to be reckoned with.