Shane Gillis Returns to Host SNL Amid Controversial Sketches and Political Satire

Comedian Shane Gillis returned to host Saturday Night Live for his third stint, opening the show with a monologue that touched on his desire to lose weight and his experiences at public gyms. He recounted a visit to a sauna owned by fellow comedians, describing a humorous exchange in which they teased him about his appearance.

During a live sketch, Gillis inadvertently used profanity while performing a Dr. Seuss-inspired bit, quickly correcting himself and later apologizing for the slip in his closing remarks.

The episode’s cold open featured Colin Jost’s character Pete Hegseth greeting the crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln as they returned to San Diego after a deployment. The sketch included a satirical reference to President Trump’s recent comments at a campaign rally in Nebraska, where he defended a conflict with Iran and suggested the United States could face retaliation.

Musical guest Rosalia performed, marking her second appearance on the series.