Harry Styles returns as host and musical guest on 'SNL', settles queerbaiting debate in monologue

Styles performed 'Dance No More' and 'Coming Up Roses' from his new album 'Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally'

Harry Styles returned to Studio 8H on Saturday Night Live, serving as both host and musical guest while addressing past criticism about queerbaiting during his opening monologue.

The singer has appeared on the programme several times since 2012, first performing as part of One Direction and later as a solo musical guest. This marked his second time pulling double duty as host and performer.

Former cast member John Milhiser reflected on the band’s 2013 appearance, recalling that One Direction were the “hottest band” when they performed the song “Story of My Life”.

The episode opened with a gas station sketch featuring James Austin Johnson as Donald Trump discussing gas prices and the stock market, which he joked was going “one direction”. Jake Paul’s reception at the Mike Tyson fight was also referenced, with Colin Jost appearing as Secretary Hegseth.

During his monologue, Styles joked about returning to host after hearing who would be performing. Several cast members appeared on stage during the segment before Ben Marshall joined with a tight bun, asking for a kiss. Styles responded with the line, “Now that's queerbaiting,” referencing criticism he has faced about his clothing choices.

Sketches throughout the night included “Sebastian Maniscalco: New Lawyer”, where Marcello Hernandez revived his impression of the comedian as a courtroom defence attorney, and “MAHAspital”, a parody medical drama presented by RFK Jr. and a Facebook group. Johnson portrayed RFK Jr., while Veronika Slowikowska appeared as a certified energy healer.

Another sketch, “Sparkle of the Sea”, featured Styles and Chloe Fineman as cruise ship hosts introducing European variety acts performing songs phonetically in English, including Styles’ own music. In “Best Buy: Mr. Pooty”, Kenan Thompson played an eccentric employee confused about rumours regarding his workplace behaviour while Styles portrayed a colleague named Christopher.

Styles performed two songs during the broadcast. Ryan Gosling introduced “Dance No More”, the tenth track from his new album Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. Later in the programme, Paul Simon introduced “Coming Up Roses”, another track from the album.

Weekend Update covered topics including Iran, RFK Jr.’s rotator cuff surgery and the upcoming Oscars ceremony, with Jeremy Culhane appearing as Tucker Carlson to discuss criticism about politics influencing awards. Additional segments featured characters representing new Apple emojis, including an Aerial Tramway and the Heart emoji.

The episode also included the sketch “White Castle Drive-Thru”, where Styles played a popular high school athlete working at the restaurant while two nervous admirers repeatedly visited the window trying to ask him to a dance. In “She’s a Dancer”, Styles encountered a club performer played by Fineman who introduced Irish step dancing and cabbage stew references ahead of St Patrick’s Day.

The show concluded with “Harry for Him”, a parody advertisement presenting outfits inspired by Styles’ public appearances, displayed on cast members who struggled to replicate the looks.

Despite strong audience engagement throughout the night, the episode’s pacing left some sketches feeling longer than necessary.