A week from Saturday on April 4, Jack Black will enter the special circle of Saturday Night Live hosts known as “The Five Timers Club.”
Black will host SNL for a fifth time next month, and it couldn’t come soon enough. Season 51 has been remarkably uneven. While the season has featured a few high moments, it’s also been weighed down by many mediocre and unforgettable episodes.
But Lorne Michaels recognizes that Black is a very popular host, and also has access to spreadsheets that show the glimmering ratings from the Season 50 Jack Black episode. The folks, they love Jack Black.
First monologue, Season 27
From the first time Jack Black appeared on camera in Studio 8H, he seemed comfortable. That’s the wonderful thing about Black, who performs in a way that seems like he’s simply having the time of his life, and nothing matters. This first monologue is from Season 27, when Jack brought his guitar to “home base” for his first moments on SNL.
Season 29 opening monologue: Megastar
Does Jack Black have the best monologues batting average (MBA)? This opening monologue is from his second stint as host, on October 4, 2003 in Season 29. This was the season opener, a spot usually reserved for an iconic host, but Black got that task in just his second trip back to SNL.
Jack Black: SNL monologue Season 50
After an unbearable 19 season absence, Black came back to Studio 8H for Season 50. Yes, he’s older. Yes, we’ve seen his act before. But, no it doesn’t grow tiresome. That’s because Jack is all about ENERGY. This monologue gives him three of the most dynamic opening monologues in SNL history.
Probably only Steve Martin has more great opening monologues than Black, who has three outstanding ones in four times hosting through Season 50.
Flaming Hot Cheetos (Pretape from Season 50)
I watched about 15 sketches and pretapes that featured Jack Black on SNL to prepare this article. I was expecting a live sketch to be my favorite Jack Black moment on SNL. I was surprised that it was this pretape from Season 50. Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and Jack Black just seem to go together.
Tenacious D on Weekend Update
In his first appearance on SNL, Black brought his bandmate with him, which resulted in this funny appearance by Tenacious D behind the Weekend Update desk.
Which begs the question: how many ACTUAL bands have appeared on Weekend Update at all, let alone performing music? I would guess it’s less than four or five.
The First Play
I love the premise of this sketch, but only wish the performances had been a little stronger from the ensemble. Jack kills it: he’s such an obvious “theater kid” that this type of material is in his wheelhouse. From Season 50.
Appalachian Emergency Room
This lengthy sketch from Season 31 features almost the entire cast. It’s wonderful to see Jason Sudeikis, Bill Hader, and Amy Poehler crushing it in their prime. Black makes a late entrance, shirtless, and steals the moment.
Times Square Kiss
A quirky sketch from the Season 50 SNL episode hosted by Jack Black, which pulled the second-highest rating of that season.
One Uppers
This is the only live sketch I found featuring Black that illustrates his trademark abilities to use his face to make us laugh.
Bass Lake
Here’s a cute sketch from Season 50 that allows Jack to show off his singing and hamming.
