AceShowbiz - Harry Styles made a highly anticipated return to Saturday Night Live (SNL) for season 51, pulling double duty as both host and musical guest for the second time in his career. This marks another milestone in his ongoing relationship with the iconic sketch comedy show.

Styles has a rich history with SNL, having appeared multiple times since 2012. Initially, he came as a member of One Direction, performing as the musical guest three times. His appearances also include a solo musical guest spot and cameo roles, including a surprise appearance just the week prior to this episode. Tonight’s show further cements his strong connection to the 8H studio.

Former SNL cast member John Milhiser shared fond memories of One Direction’s first visit to the show in 2013 during season 39, when they were at the peak of their fame. Milhiser called them the "hottest band" at the time and recalled how their performance of "Story of My Life" resonated with him personally as a defining soundtrack of that year. He even tried to impress his niece by gifting her a signed photo of the band for Christmas, only to be met with polite but underwhelming appreciation, an experience that kept him humble.

Milhiser also recounted a humorous and awkward incident from the after-party that night involving Niall Horan of One Direction. While sharing jokes with Niall, the former cast member was interrupted by an unknown woman who admitted to using Milhiser’s name to gain entry. Unfortunately, she spilled a red alcoholic drink on Niall’s white shoes, causing discomfort and abruptly ending the conversation. Milhiser noted that Niall never spoke to him again after that mishap.

The show’s cold open took place at a gas station where a family was preparing for a trip to grandma’s house. The sketch was interrupted by James Austin Johnson’s spot-on portrayal of Donald Trump, who humorously commented on rising gas prices and the stock market heading "one direction," a playful nod to the band. Trump also threw in his opinions on various cast members, including a quip about "Padilla! Haircut!"

Colin Jost made a cameo as Secretary Hegseth, sitting in the backseat of the family car and adding to the political humor with catchphrases like "Hashtag winning." The sketch further poked fun at celebrity culture with references to Jake Paul’s reception at the Mike Tyson fight. Additionally, the show couldn’t resist inserting a nod to Timothée Chalamet and opera, adding another layer of cultural satire.

For his monologue, Styles appeared somewhat low energy, sharing updates about his life over the past few years. He delighted the audience by speaking some Italian and inviting several female cast members on stage for kisses, only to be humorously upstaged by Ben Marshall, who appeared with a tight bun and also sought a kiss. Styles responded with a witty remark about "queerbaiting," addressing previous criticisms of his fashion choices.

The show’s sketches included "Sebastian Maniscalco II," where Kenan Thompson played a judge presiding over a case between New Jersey and Donovan. The public defender was impersonated by comedian Sebastian Maniscalco, brought to life once again by Marcello Hernandez, who reprised his impression from a previous episode featuring Glen Powell. The sketch was notable for its physical comedy and Maniscalco’s signature style of moving around while barely addressing the case, captivating the courtroom and audience alike. Styles joined the sketch as the prosecutor, delivering his own version of Sebastian’s act after maintaining a subdued presence for much of the night.

Another standout sketch was "MAHAspital," a satirical take on alternative medicine and controversial political figures. It was set as a new venture from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and a Facebook group, presented as a future offering on The Daily Wire. James Austin Johnson portrayed RFK Jr., though the voice impression was noted to be somewhat off. The sketch highlighted the dangers and irresponsibility of the pseudoscientific practices featured, including a character named Veronika Slowikowska, a certified energy healer played with an eerie resemblance to Fiona Dourif.

The final sketch of the night, "Sparkle of the Sea," featured Styles alongside Chloe Fineman as cruise ship hosts with exaggerated German accents. They introduced a series of quirky European variety acts, including Kenan Thompson’s character Jean K. Jean, a parody of Def Comedy Jam performers but with a French twist. These acts humorously sang English songs phonetically, including songs from Styles’ own repertoire, adding a playful and absurd tone to the closing segment.

Overall, Harry Styles’ return to SNL was a blend of nostalgia, musical performance, and comedic moments, showcasing his versatility and ongoing rapport with the show. From the memorable cold open to the inventive sketches and his engaging monologue, Styles proved why he remains a favorite on the SNL stage.