Druski makes ‘SNL’ history with hosting debut packed with celebrity cameos
The comedian became the first digital content creator to host the legendary sketch show, with Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock and
The comedian became the first digital content creator to host the legendary sketch show, with Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock and Michael B. Jordan among the stars making appearances.
“Saturday Night Live” has spent decades pulling cast members from the internet. On Saturday, it handed the whole show to one.
Druski, the comedian born Drew Desbordes, hosted the Nov. 7 episode and became the first digital content creator to front the NBC sketch institution in its 52 seasons. The Strokes joined him as musical guest.
Entertainment Weekly framed the night as one for the history books, noting that the episode carried two storylines at once. It was the first show after Tuesday’s midterm results, when Democrats took control of both chambers of Congress, and it put an influencer-turned-comedian on a stage that has historically gone to film stars, musicians and established comics.
Druski’s first time hosting “Saturday Night Live” came with some unexpected celebrity appearances. Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock showed up to support the comedian, while Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler surprised viewers during the goodnights.
Jordan and Butler, who are set to co-star in an upcoming “Miami Vice” film, added extra Hollywood star power to the closing moments, with their appearances quickly becoming a talking point among fans. The stage also welcomed Emma Stone, Walton Goggins, and Texas Senator-elect James Talarico, making it a particularly star-studded send-off for Druski.
One of the episode’s notable sketches was “Dru Can See Everything,” in which Druski took on a parody of former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes, appearing in a whiteface transformation. The sketch added another memorable moment to a debut already packed with celebrity cameos and comedy highlights. Between the Holmes parody and the surprise appearances from Chappelle and Michael B. Jordan, Druski’s “SNL” debut gave viewers plenty to discuss after the show ended.
Black comedians have long had to wait for gatekeepers at networks and comedy clubs to decide when they were ready for television. Druski built his following directly with audiences first, and “SNL” came to him.
Druski has spent years building a following that includes 13 million Instagram followers, making his name through sketch characters and viral bits. Larger stages have followed. In June he hosted the 2026 BET Awards, and his Netflix comedy series, “Collect and Praise,” arrives in December.
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