On May 10, 2025, Saturday Night Live (SNL) aired its annual Mother’s Day episode, featuring actor Walton Goggins as host and marking the return of former cast member Cecily Strong. The episode blended heartfelt tributes with the show’s signature humor, delivering memorable sketches and performances that celebrated motherhood and entertained audiences.
The Cold Open: A Mother’s Day Tribute Interrupted
The episode opened with cast members Bowen Yang, Kenan Thompson, and Marcello Hernández standing alongside their real-life mothers, offering a touching tribute to moms everywhere. However, the sentimental moment was humorously disrupted by James Austin Johnson’s portrayal of Donald Trump, who introduced Cecily Strong’s return as Jeanine Pirro. Strong, who recently became a mother herself, reprised her role with characteristic energy, engaging in a comedic wine-spitting exchange with Colin Jost’s Pete Hegseth.
Walton Goggins’ Monologue: Humor and Heartfelt Moments
Making his SNL hosting debut, Walton Goggins addressed his unexpected status as a sex symbol at 53, humorously referencing media comments about his appearance. Transitioning to a more emotional tone, Goggins paid tribute to his upbringing in Atlanta, raised by a single mother with the support of his aunts and grandmother. He invited his mother onstage for a dance, creating a touching Mother’s Day moment that resonated with the audience.
Sketch Highlights
“Mother’s Day Brunch”
In this sketch, Goggins portrayed a flirtatious waiter named Albie, who charms two mothers (played by Sarah Sherman and Heidi Gardner) during a Mother’s Day brunch, much to the discomfort of their sons (Mikey Day and Andrew Dismukes). Albie’s over-the-top flirtations and suggestive remarks added comedic tension, culminating in a humorous exchange that highlighted Goggins’ comedic timing.
“Tiny Baby Shoe”
A pre-taped musical sketch featured Jane Wickline discovering a tiny baby shoe outside a zoo, leading her to search for the “baby of her dreams.” The sketch took a surreal turn with Goggins appearing in a suit with one baby foot, joined by Sam Rockwell as a balloon man with similar baby feet. The whimsical and absurd nature of the sketch showcased the show’s creative range.
“Service Dogs”
In this sketch, a group of service dogs attended a play, struggling to remain attentive as the performance dragged on. The dogs’ reactions—checking watches, reading programs, and eventually leaving—provided a humorous commentary on audience engagement, with Goggins and Gardner portraying the play’s actors.
Weekend Update: Mikey Day’s Spider Encounter
During the Weekend Update segment, Mikey Day delivered a physical comedy performance, reacting hysterically to the imagined sensation of a spider crawling on his back. His exaggerated movements and frantic attempts to remove the nonexistent spider elicited laughter, demonstrating his commitment to physical humor.
Musical Guest: Arcade Fire
Arcade Fire returned to SNL as the musical guest, performing “Pink Elephant” and “Year of the Snake.” Their energetic performances and dynamic stage presence complemented the evening’s comedic sketches, adding a musical highlight to the episode.
Conclusion
SNL’s Mother’s Day episode successfully combined heartfelt tributes with comedic sketches, celebrating motherhood while delivering entertainment. Walton Goggins’ hosting debut showcased his versatility, blending humor with genuine emotion, and Cecily Strong’s return added a nostalgic touch for longtime fans. The episode’s blend of sentimentality and satire exemplified SNL’s enduring appeal.
- Exploring Komiku: The Rise of Free Manga Platforms and Digital Comic Culture”Komiku: Exploring the Rise of Free Manga Platforms and the Digital Comic Revolution” - May 29, 2025
- Oklahoma’s Best THC Soda Brands - May 27, 2025
- JoJo Siwa shares her favourite pic of ‘soulmate’ Chris Hughes as she reveals she is ‘missing’ the UK - May 27, 2025
