Will Ferrell pranks SNL audience with Chad Smith in chaotic finale monologue
Photo: NBC
Former “Saturday Night Live” cast member Will Ferrell returned to the iconic sketch comedy series for its Season 51 finale on May 16, delivering a memorable opening monologue alongside Chad Smith and a surprise appearance from Paul McCartney.
The episode marked Ferrell’s sixth time hosting “SNL” since leaving the cast in 2002. The comedian first appeared in the show’s cold open as the ghost of Jeffrey Epstein before launching into a comedic monologue prank centred around his long-running resemblance to Smith.
As the segment began, Smith walked onto the stage wearing the same outfit as Ferrell and pretended to be the actual host. Speaking to the audience, the drummer joked about returning to the show after seven years as a cast member. Moments later, Ferrell rushed onto the stage claiming Smith had pushed him backstage and taken his place.
Will Ferrell had Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers pretend to be him at SNL.
“He pushed me down backstage, and I fell HARD. Lorne had to give me mouth-to-mouth!” pic.twitter.com/eTJgO0iDY3— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) May 17, 2026
The sketch continued throughout the monologue, with Ferrell pretending to be too shaken up to continue hosting normally. McCartney, seated in the audience, joined the joke by calling Smith by Ferrell’s name and questioning what he was doing on stage.
Ferrell and Smith have referenced their physical resemblance for years, including during previous television appearances and a viral drum battle on “The Tonight Show.”
The Season 51 finale also featured a surprise cameo from former cast member Molly Shannon. The episode marked the final instalment before “Saturday Night Live” breaks for its annual summer hiatus ahead of a new season later this year.