Jack Black’s very first Saturday Night Live episode in 2002 began with a musical monologue, so it’s fitting that his fourth outing brought an even bigger, more rock ‘n’ roll moment. After a cold open that saw the return of — and possibly the last of? — Mike Myers as Elon Musk, Black told the audience that he hadn’t hosted SNL in 20 years.
“And honestly, it was an absolute life highlight,” Black said of his 2005 episode. “And that’s why it’s so hard to say what I’m about to say, but I quit. I know — it’s the first time a host has ever quit in the middle of the monologue, but that’s kind of cool. It’s the first time it’s ever happened. But I can’t do it. It’s too stressful. And, frankly, I do not have the nerve.”
But don’t worry — the band played a certain riff, and it brought Black back to life.
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Jack Black sang Aerosmith’s “Back in the Saddle” in his April 5 SNL monologue
“How dare you play that riff? That’s not fair,” Black said, pretending to be shocked as he was handed a mic.
“You guys! You know what this song does to me… it gives me the power to host again,” Black said, somersaulting into an SNL-themed cover of Aerosmith’s “Back in the Saddle.”
“I’m back! I’m back on Saturday Night Live again /Jack Black! I’m hosting Saturday Night Live again,” the actor sang, name-checking his films like Jumanji, Super Mario Bros., Kung-Fu Panda, and Nacho Libre. “I bet this guy did not know he’d be on TV,” Black sang to an audience member once he’d danced into the crowd.
“SNL’s 50, and I’m 55,” Black sang, one he’d brought a marching band and several cast members to the stage. “The older I get, the more we feel alive!”
Watch the rest of Jack Black’s Saturday Night Live sketches from April 5 below.
“Trump Tariff Cold Open”
Watch above.
Cast member James Austin Johnson’s Trump remains sharp as ever as he defends his tariffs, which even advisor Elon Musk (Mike Myers) thinks “sound really dumb.”
“The First Play”
A group of ancient Greek people (Jack Black, Mikey Day, Andrew Dismukes, Chloe Fineman) behold the very first play…and don’t understand how any of it works.
“Indiana Jones”
He may carry a whip and wear an outfit like the action-movie character, but Gene (Black) has a real shot in this dating show.
“One Uppers”
A reunion of college friends turns into a game of one-upmanship (and a serving face-off).
“Flamin’ Hot Commercial”
You will never, ever be able to guess where this goes (and where the product goes).
“Making Love”
With Musical Guest Brandi Carlisle!
“Bass Lake”
Hard to pick the best line from this sketch, but “the frequencies could endanger the integrity of the pier!” is up there.
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“Goth Kid on Vacation”
A reggae duo (Kenan Thompson and Ego Nwodim) sing an ode to a Goth Kid on Vacation (Michael Longfellow), with a very My Chemical Romance-style guest artist (Jack Black) providing the kid’s perspective.
“Times Square Kiss”
The lesser known story behind the iconic photo.
Cut for time: “The Great Battle – An SNL Animated Short”
SNL co-head writer Streeter Seidell’s animated short streak continues with this tale of an epic battle.
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