Lin-Manuel Miranda Crashes ‘SNL’ and Timothée Chalamet Shines in Dylan Tribute: A Night of Laughs and Cameos
Timothée Chalamet graced Studio 8H for the third time, charming SNL fans with his signature charisma and knack for comedy. The Oscar-nominated actor, fresh off his buzzworthy turn as Bob Dylan in the upcoming biopic A Complete Unknown, brought a night full of memorable moments, clever sketches, and even a little spoken-word Dylan. Here’s everything you missed (or need to relive).
Cold Open: A Founding Father’s Riff on Modern America
The show kicked off with a historical twist, taking us back to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Mikey Day’s John Hancock and the Founding Fathers (Jason Sudeikis, Andrew Dismukes, and others) set the stage for what could have been a straightforward reenactment. But cue James Austin Johnson’s impeccable Donald Trump, who freezes time, Saved by the Bell-style, to deliver a surreal monologue.
He mocked Lin-Manuel Miranda’s endless pursuit of an EGOT and riffed on casting dilemmas for modern-day political figures, quipping, “Plenty of Zuckerberg options, though!” While self-referential humor can be hit or miss, this one landed with plenty of laughs. And yes, Miranda himself made a surprise cameo as Alexander Hamilton, which fans of both Hamilton and SNL surely appreciated.
Monologue: Chalamet on Awards Season and Dylan Vibes
Timothée Chalamet, now a veteran SNL host, kicked off his monologue with playful self-deprecation about his ongoing streak of Oscar losses. “Always the bridesmaid, never the bride,” he joked, imagining himself in the audience clapping for others year after year.
But the real highlight? Chalamet teased his upcoming Dylan biopic, even slipping into a Dylan-esque cadence as he declared his love for the folk legend’s deep cuts. While we didn’t get a full Dylan impression in the monologue, Chalamet promised that fans would hear plenty of Dylan later in the show.
Sketch Highlights: Bouncing, Baristas, and Talking Dogs
“Bungee Class”
In this absurdly physical sketch, Chalamet played a long-haired, overly enthusiastic bungee workout instructor. As his class awkwardly flailed and barely burned five calories, the comedy peaked with the invention of a move called the “Jimmy Carter.” Between the chaotic energy and Cinnabon jokes, this sketch was a crowd-pleaser.
“Barista Training”
Benny (Chalamet) is a new hire at Bungalow Café, where chalkboard quips are apparently serious business. His attempt at humor takes a turn into Def Comedy Jam territory, complete with Homer Simpson impressions. The highlight? Chalamet shouting, “Eat it!” in a way that had fans demanding he star in a Weird Al biopic.
“Talking Dogs”
In a less successful moment, Chalamet and Mikey Day donned dog ears and snouts to play anthropomorphic New York City dogs. While Kenan Thompson managed to salvage a few laughs with his deadpan food commentary, the sketch’s reliance on physical humor and dog clichés felt a little… neutered.
Musical Interludes: Dylan Covers with a Chalamet Twist
For his first musical number, Chalamet performed “Outlaw Blues,” turning the song into an intimate, spoken-word experience. Later, he delivered “Tomorrow Is a Long Time,” another Dylan classic, showcasing his unique interpretation. Both performances were introduced by SNL legends Adam Sandler and Kenan Thompson, adding a touch of reverence to the night.
Dylan superfan Patrick Weathers, a former SNL cast member and Dylan impersonator, noted Chalamet’s ability to “capture the nuances” of Dylan’s voice and delivery. “He’s personalizing it, and that’s okay,” Weathers said.
Weekend Update: Dark Laughs and Bold Characters
Che and Jost didn’t shy away from heavy topics during Weekend Update, delivering jokes about Elon Musk, January 6 pardons, and more. While the darker tone risked losing the audience at times, the biting humor remained sharp.
Ego Nwodim stole the segment as Giselle, a businesswoman urging viewers to stock up on wigs before tariffs kick in. “She’s got raw nerve,” remarked Weathers, comparing her boldness to classic Belushi.
Dismukes brought a heartfelt moment as a ventriloquist with a puppet dad. The emotional exchange between the puppet and Dismukes hit unexpectedly deep, balancing out the night’s more cynical humor.
Final Thoughts: A Winning Third Round for Chalamet
Timothée Chalamet proved once again why he’s a fan favorite. Whether bouncing around in bungee cords, delivering Dylan-inspired performances, or riffing on café culture, he showed his comedic versatility and undeniable charm.
While not every sketch hit the mark (looking at you, “Talking Dogs”), the night offered plenty of standout moments and proved why SNL remains a cultural touchstone. Until next time, Conehead Nation—let’s hope we don’t have to wait too long for Chalamet’s fourth stint in Studio 8H!
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