When the controversial billionaire CEO of Tesla and founder of SpaceX Elon Musk was announced as a host of Saturday Night Live in May 2021, confusion and curiosity stirred. You likely wondered – how would the tech mogul known for being awkward handle doing live comedy weekly sketch show?
As mainstream media covered the news of his hosting gig extensively, they noted the risks and potential rewards of having the alienating yet renowned Musk take the helm of NBC‘s venerable late night staple. Let‘s break down what transpired behind the scenes to make it on air, the best moments that won over skeptics during the broadcast, and why it became an iconic viral episode.
Quick Primer – Who is Elon Musk?
Before analyzing Musk‘s stint guest hosting SNL, let‘s make sure you have context on who this polarizing public figure is and why anyone would care he was doing comedy.
The South African-born entrepreneur first made waves in tech by co-founding web software company Zip2 in the 90s before being edged out by the board. He took his profits to launch what would become the wildly successful online bank PayPal in the early 2000s.
When PayPal was acquired by eBay for $1.5 billion in 2002, Musk walked away with $250 million at just age 31. However, he was just getting warmed up making history.
Risking it all, Musk founded electric vehicle upstart Tesla Motors in 2003 to widespread skepticism it could compete with major automakers. He also helmed private space exploration firm SpaceX with ambitious plans to pioneer commercial space flight.
Against all odds, Musk led Tesla to meteoric success, with its market cap recently exceeding $1 trillion. SpaceX meanwhile has achieved technological feats like developing reusable rockets most deemed impossible.
Ultimately Musk has become world famous as a visionary entrepreneur pushing boundaries in renewable energy and intergalactic travel goals. Oh, and 3 times over as one of the richest men alive with $219 billion net worth.
However, his excessive tweeting of memes and aggressive clapbacks have alienated some. Coupled with dropping commentary opposing lockdowns early in the pandemic downplaying the virus, Musk has gained a reputation by some as an out-of-touch billionaire troll.
Why Elon Musk Was Chosen as an Unconventional SNL Host
SNL has built its long-running success by skewering celebs and public figures with timely satire. So who better to lampoon than one of the most talked about people today in tech mogul Elon Musk? He draws attention while being controversial – perfect fodder for comedy.
Plus SNL aims for variety in hosts. Although most stem from entertainment, the show has welcomed public figures before to massive curious audiences. Back in 2015, presidential candidate Donald Trump controversially hosted, drawing ire from those citing equal time concerns.
| Host | Season | Year | Ratings Viewers (Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donald Trump | 41 | 2015 | 6.6 |
| Elon Musk | 46 | 2021 | 7.3 |
| Dave Chappelle | 45 | 2019 | 8.1 |
Considering Musk‘s high profile cemented by recent celebrity on podcasts like Joe Rogan‘s, he seemed primed for a ratings bonanza based on public intrigue.
Initial Pushback from SNL Cast and Writers
However, blowback began brewing as soon as Musk‘s hosting duty got announced internally. Head writer Michael Che complained openly on social media of the decision, later explaining the only CEO he‘d want is former female cast member Cheri Oteri.
Fellow scribe Andrew Dismukes posted "only CEO I want to do a sketch with is Cher-E Oteri” – a subtle dig at Musk being tapped. When Michael Che replied "tough year to be an Andrew though for real,” he gained support for empathizing with discomfort having Musk inserted without much staff say.
Rumors percolated that featured player Bowen Yang was so angry he even considered sitting out that week‘s episode in protest. Yet filming commenced the week leading up to May 8th‘s broadcast with Musk at the helm.
Monologue – Elon Owns His Reputation with Laughs
Right away, Elon lampooned the elephant in the room – his awkward speech pattern and controversial hot takes. He joked it makes sense he’d be the first person with Asperger’s to host SNL or at least the first to admit it.
The admission provided a gutsy moment of representation plus explanation for his unusual public persona. Already the audience was warmed up and realized Musk was happy to poke fun at himself.
When his mother Maye joined him, more hilarity with heart ensued. Their mother‘s day tribute had her nodding to his loving yet strange childhood dreaming of electric cars and rockets. Yet she still ribbed him saying she didn‘t want any DogeCoin – the crypto he pushed – for Mother‘s Day!
Sketch Scene Stealing Surprises
While Musk shined all evening, a standout was donning a Wario costume alongside his girlfriend Grimes to debut as characters Wario and Waluigi. Their Mario Bros inspired sketch lit up Twitter for Musk committing fully to slapstick physical gags.
Another highlight had Musk appear on Weekend Update as a financial analyst annoyed hosts were reducing him to “that guy who smoked weed with Joe Rogan.” As clouds of smoke emanated to show Rogan with his famous joint, the absurdist scene fully embraced the outlandish image some have of Musk.
But perhaps most shocking was Elon completely hidden dressed as a cow belting out LL Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out” karaoke style on new hit show Masked Singer. Not only were his earnest country-fied vocals surprisingly solid, the moment marked doing anything for a laugh.
Michael Che would ultimately praise Musk for having "a great attitude" and being "the nerdiest host [that] was also the most game."
Ratings Through the Roof Thanks to Musk‘s Cult of Personality
So did riding the Elon Musk hype train pay dividends in viewership? You bet. He attracted 7.3 million viewers globally, marking the third most-watched SNL episode closely behind ones hosted by Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock.
Clearly Musk’s CEO status and tech god aura were enough to entice audiences curious how he’d do – regardless of skepticism by some NBC staffers about his credentials. Chalk it up as another unlikely W for Musk.
Final Vision for the Future: More Laughs, Less Controversial Tweets
The closing musical number featured a duet between unlikely performers – the billionaire known for space travel ambitions and a pop star known for emotional ballads. Yet Miley Cyrus and Elon harmonized sweetly together musing that "human life can really be very strange."
The song‘s kicker again showcased Musk able to poke fun at himself. Asked what his future vision entails, he replied that along with his renewable energy and Mars exploration goals is simply to send "1,000% less dumb things on Twitter a day" for balance.
When Elon Musk first got tapped to host legendary sketch comedy Saturday Night Live, confusion and skepticism were rampant. After all, how would the socially awkward CEO known for tweeting out controversies handle doing live improv and acting?
Yet against the odds, Musk ultimately thrived thanks to fully embracing comedic opportunities with zero filter. Unafraid to satirize his reputation, Tesla cars, or cryptocurrency, every sketch let audiences laugh with him rather than at him.
In the process Musk erased questions on whether someone with no performing arts background could host. With ratings skyrocketing among both his fanbase and hate watchers, Musk‘s SNL episode likely won‘t be soon forgotten.
So say what you will about him positive or negative otherwise – the man knows how to use comedy as common ground. Even those who decried Musk initially being offered the plum gig have admitted he handled it better than expected.
When SNL inevitably compiles a highlight special of standout hosting stints, don‘t be surprised if Elon makes the cut for long-term legacy. Offbeat visionaries who move the needle with humor deserve props.
