Saturday Night Live alum Will Forte steps back into his MacGruber character as former castmate Kristen Wiig and actors Willem Dafoe and Ryan Phillippe make memorable cameos during his first-ever hosting gig

  • Forte revived the MacGruber sketch multiple times during his hosting gig alongside Wiig and Phillippe 
  • Next week's host Willem Dafoe made a cameo as he crashed the opening monologue 
  • The musical guest of the night was Italian rock band Måneskin 
  • Forte originally joined the Saturday Night Live cast in 2002 and left the show after eight years in 2010 

Former Saturday Night Live cast member Will Forte made his hosting debut over the weekend and stepped back into his famous MacGruber character.

The 51-year-old comedian - who originally joined the SNL cast in 2002 and left after eight years in 2010 - played the fan-favorite parody of the MacGyver series a total of three times during the duration of the show.

In another surprise, his opening monologue was crashed by former castmate Kristen Wiig and actor Willem Dafoe.

He's back! Former Saturday Night Live cast member Will Forte made his hosting debut over the weekend

He's back! Former Saturday Night Live cast member Will Forte made his hosting debut over the weekend

The star took to the SNL stage with a self-deprecating opening monologue.

'I was in the cast 12 years ago with Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, Jason Sudeikis and Fred Armisen. So it was really fun to see Kristen host.'

'Yep. And Bill. And then Andy. Then Fred. Then Kristen again. Then Bill again. Then Jason. Seth Meyers. I mean, he's one of my best buds, right? But, come on. He wasn't really a sketch guy, he was just on "Weekend update." Does that even count as being on the show? But he hosted. Right?' 

Funny: The star took to the SNL stage with a self-deprecating opening monologue about how every other of his former castmates have hosted the show expect for him

Funny: The star took to the SNL stage with a self-deprecating opening monologue about how every other of his former castmates have hosted the show expect for him

'John Mulaney was a writer when I was in the cast. And then he hosted four times. Four times!'

'But hey, that's okay. I'm not bitter about it. I'm not. Oh. Saved the best for last, right? My time to shine. Tonight is all about me,' he said as Kristen Wig appeared behind him to a roar of applause. 

'Are you serious?' he said upon seeing her.

Surprise! 'I was in the cast 12 years ago with Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, Jason Sudeikis and Fred Armisen. So it was really fun to see Kristen host,' the comedian said

Surprise! 'I was in the cast 12 years ago with Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, Jason Sudeikis and Fred Armisen. So it was really fun to see Kristen host,' the comedian said

Stealing his spotlight: 'But hey, that's okay. I'm not bitter about it. I'm not. Oh. Saved the best for last, right? My time to shine. Tonight is all about me,' he said until he saw Wiig behind him

Stealing his spotlight: 'But hey, that's okay. I'm not bitter about it. I'm not. Oh. Saved the best for last, right? My time to shine. Tonight is all about me,' he said until he saw Wiig behind him

After Wiig expressed that she was so excited to see him host, Forte replied saying, 'Not a good time. Not a good time.'  

'So -- so I should go?' she asked. When he affirmed that she should leave  she replied saying that she flew in for the occasion.

'Oh, great, so you know where the airport is,' he joked. 

After Wiig was gone, Forte scolded the audience for giving her more applause.

Another surprise: Forte was in for another shock when Lorne Michaels appeared in the audience to let him know that the hosting gig was a mistake

Another surprise: Forte was in for another shock when Lorne Michaels appeared in the audience to let him know that the hosting gig was a mistake

'You think I'd book someone named Will, then someone named Willem?' Lorne said as the camera panned to Willem Dafoe next to him

'You think I'd book someone named Will, then someone named Willem?' Lorne said as the camera panned to Willem Dafoe next to him

'I don't love that she got more applause than when I came out. You know, I came out once when she was hosting, and I did something in her monologue. But I was polite enough to get less applause than her,' he said.

'But look, my point is, maybe the universe had a reason for making me wait to host. You know? Maybe it wanted me to wait until "MacGruber," the series, was streaming on Peacock,' he said, promoting his new show which is based on the SNL sketch.

He then teased fans with a fake announcement of another season, saying, 'Now, speaking of "MacGruber," I would like to officially announce that "MacGruber" has been picked up for a season two.' 

A mistake: 'You texted me to come host, Lorne,' Forte replied, to which Lorne said, 'I texted Willem, and you know, auto correct'

A mistake: 'You texted me to come host, Lorne,' Forte replied, to which Lorne said, 'I texted Willem, and you know, auto correct'

Unfortunately, it was only a joke. 'I would like to announce that. But it hasn't been picked up yet, so I can't.' 

The comedian was in for another surprise during his opening monologue when Lorne Michaels appeared in the crowd and told him the hosting gig was a mistake and that the host was supposed to be Willem Dafoe.

When Forte pointed out that Dafoe is supposed to be hositng next week, Michaels replied saying, 'You think I'd book someone named Will, then someone named Willem?' then added, 'I texted Willem, and you know, auto correct.'  

Fan-favorite: In his opening skit Forte revived his MacGruber character

Fan-favorite: In his opening skit Forte revived his MacGruber character

The gang's back: He was joined by his co-stars Kristen Wiig and Ryan Phillippe

The gang's back: He was joined by his co-stars Kristen Wiig and Ryan Phillippe

In his opening skit, Forte revived his MacGruber character with his co-stars Kristen Wiig and Ryan Phillippe.

The trio attempted to escape a locked room with an explosive that was going to blow up in 60 seconds.

'I know this whole Covid situation has really changed the game, so we got to be smart about this, okay? We're in a small room with very limited airflow. Now both of you, hand me your masks.'   

When Wiig asked him what he was doing, he replied, 'Freeing us from tyranny, Vick. You're welcome.' 

When she replied that she was feeling uncomfortable, Forte said, 'Don't worry, Vick. I'm vaxed and relaxed. Here's proof,' as he showed them a fake vaccination card.

Tricky situation: The trio attempted to escape a locked room with an explosive that was going to blow up in 60 seconds

Tricky situation: The trio attempted to escape a locked room with an explosive that was going to blow up in 60 seconds

Fake: After MacGruber asked them to take off their masks and Wiig expressed she was uncomfortable, he handed them a fake vaccination card

Fake: After MacGruber asked them to take off their masks and Wiig expressed she was uncomfortable, he handed them a fake vaccination card

'I think there's a "P" missing at the beginning of Pfizer,' Wiig said as Phillippe grimaced

'I think there's a "P" missing at the beginning of Pfizer,' Wiig said as Phillippe grimaced

'I think there's a "P" missing at the beginning of Pfizer.' 

'Vicki, if there was a "P" in front of Pfizer, it would be pronounced P-fizer,' he said.

'Just admit you're not vaccinated.'

'Okay, fine, you freaking Karen. I'm not getting that stupid shot, all right, 'cause I don't want the government putting a tracking device in my scrotum.'

'MacGruber, you don't know what the hell you're talking about.'

Suspicious: In the second MacGruber sketch, he returned wearing a torn mask

Suspicious: In the second MacGruber sketch, he returned wearing a torn mask

'Yeah, I don't need to know what I'm talking about, piper, because I have a brain. Because you two sheeple are so freaked out, let me assure you, I'm totally anti-semitic,' he replies.

'I'm not sure we heard you right.'

'I don't have any symptoms.'

'I think the word you're looking for is asymptomatic.' 

What science? When Wiig points out that he's got a big hole in his mask, he replies saying, 'Look, there's no reason to be scared. I'm going to be fine. I've done a ton of research and I'm following the science now'

What science? When Wiig points out that he's got a big hole in his mask, he replies saying, 'Look, there's no reason to be scared. I'm going to be fine. I've done a ton of research and I'm following the science now'

Strange: He proceeded to inject himself with ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine

Strange: He proceeded to inject himself with ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine

In the second MacGruber sketch, he returned wearing a torn mask.

'Not a problem, gang. We got this. Don't worry. After the last mission I've heard your concerns and now I'm following all the protocols,' he said.

When Wiig points out that he's hot a big hole in his mask, he replies saying, 'Uh yeah, so I don't suffocate from all the carbon dioxide, Duh. [ Cough ] Look, there's no reason to be scared. I'm going to be fine. I've done a ton of research and I'm following the science now.'

He then asks her for ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine.

When asked if he has Covid, he replies saying, 'I have covid plus.' 

'You've gone down some at-right misinformation rabbit hole,' Wiig tells him.

Back again: In his third sketch as MacGruber he came back with more wild conspiracies, this time about Hollywood

Back again: In his third sketch as MacGruber he came back with more wild conspiracies, this time about Hollywood

In his third sketch as MacGruber came back with more wild conspiracies.

'So where was I? Oh, yes. Hollywood celebrities are eating babies. They devour them. They're insatiable. Like the way horse worms eat spaghetti. That's what's happening out there and nobody is doing anything about it,' he said while dressed in a horned helmet and a fur hat.

'Can we concentrate on the bomb?'

'Oh, that's not a big enough bomb for you to find out that Ellen Pompeo eats babies?'

'You're so brainwashed,' Wiig replies. 

Wild theories: 'So where was I? Oh, yes. Hollywood celebrities are eating babies. They devour them. They're insatiable,' he says

Wild theories: 'So where was I? Oh, yes. Hollywood celebrities are eating babies. They devour them. They're insatiable,' he says

Crazy: When he's told to concentrate on the bomb he says, 'Oh, that's not a big enough bomb for you to find out that Ellen Pompeo eats babies?'

Crazy: When he's told to concentrate on the bomb he says, 'Oh, that's not a big enough bomb for you to find out that Ellen Pompeo eats babies?'

In another quirky sketch Forte plays the host of a kids game show named Kid Klash. He is joined by Aidy Bryant who plays Tatum.

She introduces herself saying, 'I'm the shortest and the slowest one on my basketball team, but here I'm going to win, I'm Tatum.'

'Great, 'tude, Tatum,' Forte replies, 'And today's prize is pizza for life. That's right, you get to keep this one pizza for your entire life.'

She is then tasked with diving into whipped cream pie to find a flag.

Game show host: In another quirky sketch Forte plays the host of a kids game show named Kid Klash. He is joined by Aidy Bryant who plays Tatum

Game show host: In another quirky sketch Forte plays the host of a kids game show named Kid Klash. He is joined by Aidy Bryant who plays Tatum

As she attempts her first task Forte is frustrated with her slow progress and says, 'Here's a hint, it's in there,' then remarks, 'Do you not know what a flag is?' 

'Oh, my god! Oh, my god! I think I found something. It's some kind of gold medallion,' she says suddenly.

'Amazing. But one question for you, Tatum. Is a medallion the same as a frigging flag?' he asks sarcastically. 

When she fails to find the flag in the allotted time, Forte refuses to let her go. 

'You're not going anywhere. Not until you find that flag,' he says, then adds,  'Look, I didn't start this game show to encourage children to quit like babies. Now, I was very clear. You get out of the pie when you find the flag.' 

He then says, 'The whipped cream is adversity. And the flag is your unfulfilled potential.'   

Cute: She introduces herself saying, 'I'm the shortest and the slowest one on my basketball team, but here I'm going to win, I'm Tatum'

Cute: She introduces herself saying, 'I'm the shortest and the slowest one on my basketball team, but here I'm going to win, I'm Tatum'

Not leaving: When she fails her task, Forte refuses to let her leave, saying, 'Look, I didn't start this game show to encourage children to quit like babies'

Not leaving: When she fails her task, Forte refuses to let her leave, saying, 'Look, I didn't start this game show to encourage children to quit like babies'

The next sketch features Kenan Thompson as the host of Cinema Classics on TBS as he presents a classic movie.

'If you've heard the phrase, "Gaslighting," you probably know it means to manipulate someone into believing a false reality,' he introduces the film.

'But what you may not know is that the phrase originally comes from the 1944 film, "Gaslight," starring Ingrid Bergman as a woman whose husband makes her believe she's going insane by slowly dimming the gas-fueled lights around her and then denying it. Why does he do this? I do not know. And I'm bad at guessing.'

Presenting movies: The next sketch features Kenan Thompson as the host of Cinema Classics on TBS as he presents the 1944 film Gaslight

Presenting movies: The next sketch features Kenan Thompson as the host of Cinema Classics on TBS as he presents the 1944 film Gaslight 

Forte and Kate McKinnon then parody the black and white film. 

When she reveals that she thinks the lights are growing dimmer, Forte denies the claim, then says, 'Oh, my cuckoo darling, in the week and a half you've known me, have I ever lied to you? 

After she asks him to turn up the lights he replies saying, 'I hope you're happy, our gas bill is going to be insane, just like your brain.'

McKinnon then figures out the husband has been gaslighting her, and says, 'I can't believe you told me it was 9 inches and I said, "Oh, lucky me."' 

Gaslight: Forte and Kate McKinnon then parody the black and white film about a woman whose husband makes her believe she's going insane by slowly dimming the gas-fueled lights around her and then denying it

Gaslight: Forte and Kate McKinnon then parody the black and white film about a woman whose husband makes her believe she's going insane by slowly dimming the gas-fueled lights around her and then denying it

When she asks him to turn up the lights he replies saying, 'I hope you're happy, our gas bill is going to be insane, just like your brain'

When she asks him to turn up the lights he replies saying, 'I hope you're happy, our gas bill is going to be insane, just like your brain'

In yet another hilarious sketch Heidi Gardner joins Mikey Day as the two play an adventurous married couple looking to have a threesome.

'I'm Gannon. I'm here to have sex with you,' Forte says as he appears in bleach blonde hair and a loose silk shirt.

'Hi, I'm Tracy. And this is my husband Tate,' Gardner introduces the couple.

'Hey there, taint,' Forte replies.

'My name is Tate, not taint.'

Adventurous: In yet another hilarious sketch Heidi Gardner joins Mikey Day as the two play a married couple looking to have a threesome

Adventurous: In yet another hilarious sketch Heidi Gardner joins Mikey Day as the two play a married couple looking to have a threesome

Forte then says, 'By the way, I find a threesome with a married couple works best when the wife and I go about the night as if it's just us. And it's on the husband to figure out when and how to join in.'

'What does that mean, exactly?' the husband asks.

'Well, it means that if your wife and I have a good rhythm going, don't crowbar yourself in. You know? Remember, it's a three-way, not a me-way,' Forte replies.

He then says, 'Now heads-up, taint. The more heated I get the harder it will be for you to get in there. This dog gets greedy with his treats.' 

Threesome: 'I'm Gannon. I'm here to have sex with you,' Forte says as he appears in bleach blonde hair and a loose silk shirt and then proceeds to leave the husband completely out of the equation

Threesome: 'I'm Gannon. I'm here to have sex with you,' Forte says as he appears in bleach blonde hair and a loose silk shirt and then proceeds to leave the husband completely out of the equation

The third man: 'I find a threesome with a married couple works best when the wife and I go about the night as if it's just us. And it's on the husband to figure out when and how to join in,' he says

The third man: 'I find a threesome with a married couple works best when the wife and I go about the night as if it's just us. And it's on the husband to figure out when and how to join in,' he says

In yet another sketch Thompson comes back as a host of a musical program where he presents Forte and Wiig as a musical duo.

'For years now, these two thrilled global audiences with songs about the four things they know best: Spaceships, toddlers, monster cars and jars of beer,' he introduces them.

'And after a 12-year sabbatical, these two national treasures have decided to once again join forces. I'm sorry. Foin jorces. No, I'm sorry. I was right the first time,' he rambles on.

Forte and Wiig then proceed to belt out a variety of atrocious hits.

Host: In yet another sketch Thompson comes back as a host of a musical program where he presents Forte and Wiig as a musical duo

Host: In yet another sketch Thompson comes back as a host of a musical program where he presents Forte and Wiig as a musical duo

Bad singers: Forte and Wiig then proceed to belt out a variety of atrocious hits
Bad singers: Forte and Wiig then proceed to belt out a variety of atrocious hits

Bad singers: Forte and Wiig then proceed to belt out a variety of atrocious hits

The show's real musical talent came with the musical guest of the night - Italian rock band Måneskin.

The band - composed of vocalist Damiano David, bassist Victoria De Angelis, guitarist Thomas Raggi, and drummer Ethan Torchio - started out their memorable performance with a rendition of Begging.

The musicians - who won the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 for Italy with the song Zitti e buoni - performed on the show for the very first time.

For their second song the glam-rockers chose I Wanna Be Your Slave.

Italian rockers: The show's real musical talent came with the musical guest of the night - Italian rock band Måneskin

Italian rockers: The show's real musical talent came with the musical guest of the night - Italian rock band Måneskin

Glam: The band started out their memorable performance with a rendition of Begging

Glam: The band started out their memorable performance with a rendition of Begging 

Wild: For their second song the glam-rockers chose I Wanna Be Your Slave

Wild: For their second song the glam-rockers chose I Wanna Be Your Slave

Till next time! The cast looked colorful in the parting shot of the show

Till next time! The cast looked colorful in the parting shot of the show