Brifing

Druski Becomes First Digital Creator to Host Saturday Night Live

The social media star made history with a monologue featuring Emma Stone and viral sketches.

11 sources3 min

1Historic Hosting Debut

Druski, the 32-year-old digital content creator, made history as the first internet-native star to host Saturday Night Live. Unlike previous hosts who achieved traditional crossover success before appearing, Druski built his fame exclusively through viral sketches on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, marking a significant shift for the long-running NBC show.

2Monologue and Cameos

During his opening monologue, Druski addressed his unique background and joked about public perceptions, including rumors about his appearance. He was joined on stage by Oscar winner Emma Stone, his co-star in the upcoming Universal Pictures film The Catch. The two playfully debated their characters' relationship dynamics in the movie, which premieres May 21, 2027.

3Creative Boundaries

Druski assured the audience that SNL would not water down his comedic style. He jokingly revealed that the show provided him with a few rules, specifically prohibiting cussing and the use of whiteface. True to his rebellious brand, he quipped that he could not promise to follow either of those restrictive production guidelines.

4Elizabeth Holmes Parody

One of the night's standout sketches, titled 'Dru Can See Everything,' parodied the documentary phenomenon surrounding Elizabeth Holmes. Druski played himself alongside Jane Wickline as Holmes and Ben Marshall as Billy Evans. The sketch imagined the couple seeking Druski’s help for their documentary, resulting in an uncomfortable and highly meme-able interaction between the characters.

5Mastering the Sketch

In the 'Dru Can See Everything' parody, Druski eventually donned his signature whiteface to portray Elizabeth Holmes himself. He faced off against Wickline’s version of the Theranos founder in a tense, comedic staredown. The segment even included a meta-reference to a Variety review, suggesting that Druski’s presence made Nathan Fielder seem like a reasonable choice.

6Diverse Sketch Lineup

Beyond the Holmes parody, Druski participated in various sketches, including 'Washington in Focus,' a panel show discussing politicians. He also appeared in 'Two Men Attempt to Make a Purchase at a Dominican Phone Store' and a commercial for 'My Corner Guy.' These segments showcased his ability to adapt his viral humor to the live format.

7Musical and Film Context

The episode featured The Strokes as the musical guest, marking their fifth appearance on the show. Druski’s film career is also expanding; he recently signed a multi-year deal with Netflix to star in a semi-scripted comedy series titled Collect Praise. This follows his previous work in television projects like Grown-ish and the film House Party.

8Industry Evolution

Druski’s appearance signals a broader industry trend where digital creators are increasingly integrated into mainstream television. By hosting SNL, he joins a list of season 52 hosts including Jalen Brunson, Dakota Johnson, and Shane Gillis. This transition highlights the growing influence of social media stars in traditional entertainment spaces like late-night sketch comedy.

9Future of SNL

As the first creator to host without a current major project, Druski's debut sets a new precedent for the show's casting strategy. With John Mulaney scheduled to host the November 14 episode alongside Phoebe Bridgers, SNL continues to balance traditional celebrity hosts with emerging digital talent, reflecting the changing landscape of modern celebrity and comedy.

Original article: The Hollywood Reporter — Druski Becomes First Digital Creator to Host Saturday Night Live