Saturday Night Live recap: Emma Stone fully commits to the bit

Emma Stone is set to become the youngest member of the Five Timers Club after her fifth hosting gig on SNL.

Emma Stone is undoubtedly one of the most fearlessly funny actors in the industry today. Her recent projects, such as her role as Bella Baxter in Yorgos Lanthimos' Oscar-bound Frankensteinian fable Poor Things and her portrayal of a married couple-slash-hosts of an HGTV show in Showtime's satirical series The Curse, showcase her brilliance.

Her hosting gig on Saturday Night Live's December 2 episode, with singer-songwriter Noah ahan as musical guest, is simply the cherry on top of a very funny year for the 35-year-old performer. Stone becomes the youngest member of the Five Timers Club, an exclusive designation for hosts that have hosted SNL at least five times, joining the likes of Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Alec Baldwin, and Melissa McCarthy.

Stone more than earns her membership card, regularly elevating celebratory episodes pocked by underwhelming writing. Her portrayal of flamboyantly fraudulent Congressman George Santos has been a standout this season, and his swan song was no exception. The character's bold-faced lies, including his age, official titles, and career moves, are a testament to Stone's comedic talent.

The night's episode was a "herstory"-making occasion, with the powers that be pulling out Five Timer favorites to usher Stone into the coveted club. Candace Bergen and Tina Fey did the honors, and Stone teared up as she was enrobed in the club's signature lounge jacket.

The digital sketch featuring Stone and the Please Don't Destroy trio tapped into the creepiness of AI technology, humorously portraying the use of advanced AI to replace corrupted footage of the host. Stone's turn as an afro-wearing, Phil Spector-like record producer named Mitch Lester was brilliant and bonkers, showcasing her comedic versatility.

Fellow featured player Chloe Troast was a standout, serving up Cecily Strong vibes, while Michael Longfellow's delightfully petty "Old Fashioned Cigarette" sketch earned him MVP status.

Stone's talent and versatility were on full display throughout the episode, cementing her status as one of the most fearless and funny actors working today. Her induction into the Five Timers Club is a testament to her impact on the show and her comedic prowess.

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