The April 4 episode of “Saturday Night Live” marked Jack Black‘s fifth hosting stint, granting him entry into the exclusive “five-timers club.” Several comedy legends made cameos during his monologue to celebrate.
First was Jonah Hill, who told Black that there was “something wrong with the five-timer’s club” as they entered a lounge that has previously appeared in other five-timers’ monologues — only this time, it was covered in cobwebs.
In the lounge, Black was greeted by Tina Fey, who often returns to “SNL” when a new five-timer is inducted. “You’re the first Black in the five-timers club,” Fey said, poking fun of the show’s oft-criticised lack of racial diversity. (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who is of mixed-race heritage, became the first Black five-timer in 2017, but all other five-timers have been white.)
“What’s become of this once-glorious place?” Black asked. “You know, it’s seen better days,” Fey responded. “What started off as a one-off joke in a Tom Hanks monologue has been brought back so many times, it has literally been run into the ground. For example, this is my fifth five-timers club sketch.”
“A double five-timer. Is that why you’re wearing that special jacket?” Black asked. “No, this is actually my first-timer’s jacket from ‘SNL UK,’” she said. Fey was the first-ever host of the U.K. adaptation of “SNL” on March 21. “I think it’s made out of Paddington,” she continued, referencing the jacket’s fur lining and turning around to reveal the fictional bear’s head.
Candice Bergen entered next, saying, “You know, I spent a night with Paddington back in 1700. Let’s just say we found something that he likes way more than marmalade.” When Black reacted with shock, she added, “What? A bitch can party!”
Then Melissa McCarthy appeared behind the cobweb-covered bar. “Speaking of party, does anyone know where I can just get a drink? I can’t find one,” she said. “All they got is warm cans of John Mulaney’s beer.” Fey objected, as Mulaney is sober: “Those are non-alcoholic, right?” McCarthy stabbed a can open with a key and said, “Not if fill them with vodka,” then shotgunned it.
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“SNL” cast member Marcello Hernandez was the next to show up — in character as Domingo — and Black jabbed at the 28-year-old for entering the five-timer’s lounge without earning it. “Have you even been on the show five times?” he asked. “Yes, if you count this one!” Hernandez said.
Jack White, the musical guest for Black’s episode, interrupted Hernandez by whacking him in the head with a skillet before saying he had to leave. “Why so soon?” Black asked. “Well, the five-time musical guests only get their parking validated for 15 minutes, so I have to move my hearse,” White said.
Black resolved to fix the five-timer’s club “the only way I know how: with the power of rock.” He and White launched into a parody of “Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes, White’s rock duo with Meg White.
“I’m back hosting ‘Saturday Night Live’ for the fifth time / And if I don’t crush it it would be a crime / Everything about the lounge is broken and wrong / But I’m gonna fix it by singing the world’s most rockin’ song,” Black sang, then said, “Now give me a choir of marching wizards.” As a group of backup dancers emerged, Black continued singing, “I’m gonna make it right / The five-timers army gonna lift the curse / We got Jack Black and White / He’s shredding on his axe while I sing the next verse / We got Melissa, Candice Bergen, Jonah Hill and British Tina Fey / It’s my nightmare blunt rotation and I think it’s gonna save the day.”
Watch the monologue below.
From Variety US