SNL April 5th: Political Satire, Iconic Performances, and Jack Black’s Hilarious Return

Jack Black SNL host
Jack Black at the "Jumanji: The Next Level" film premiere in 2019. Photo by AFF-USA/Shutterstock (10495870o)

Saturday Night Live’s April 5th episode was a memorable one, bringing back fan-favorite Jack Black as host after nearly 20 years. Alongside musical legends Elton John and Brandi Carlile, the night featured a mix of hilarious sketches, biting political satire, and musical performances.

A Welcome Return: Jack Black’s Hosting Gig

Jack Black’s return to SNL was highly anticipated, marking his first time hosting since 2005. The actor, known for his roles in School of Rock and Tropic Thunder, brought his signature energy and comedic timing to the stage. Black’s performances didn’t miss a beat, with him effortlessly jumping between characters, from a hilarious parody of his video game persona in Minecraft to a comedic take on the latest Hollywood reboots.

Musical Guests: Elton John & Brandi Carlile

Elton John made his return to the SNL stage after a decade, bringing his timeless hits to the audience. Joining him was Brandi Carlile, whose powerful voice resonated deeply, captivating the studio with her heartfelt performance. Their combined musical magic provided a perfect balance to the comedic chaos.

Skits That Stole the Show

The cold open tackled a timely and absurd issue: Donald Trump’s new trade policy. James Austin Johnson, as Trump, delivered a chaotic and hilarious riff on the “Make America Great Depression Again” slogan. The skit included the now-infamous “reciprocal tariffs” gaffe, which had the audience laughing out loud.

Other skits that stood out included a spoof of The Bachelor, where contestants were forced to answer bizarre, nonsensical questions, and a send-up of a typical rock concert, with Jack Black leading a group of frustrated audience members who can’t handle his band’s extreme antics.

Final Thoughts

This SNL episode perfectly blended nostalgia and fresh comedy, with Jack Black proving once again why he’s a comedic genius. Elton John and Brandi Carlile’s performances were a treat, and the political satire provided a sharp commentary on the current moment. All in all, April 5th’s show kept viewers laughing and entertained from start to finish. If you missed it, be sure to catch up on some of the best moments from this iconic episode!