Wait, has Ryan Reynolds only hosted SNL once?
Honestly, it feels like he’s there every other weekend. You see his face in the monologues, popping up during Weekend Update, or crashing a friend's sketch. But the cold hard truth is that Ryan Reynolds has only officially held the "Host" title for a single episode in the history of the show.
It was October 3, 2009. Lady Gaga was the musical guest. The Proposal had just come out. Since then? He’s been a professional crasher.
The One and Only Hosting Gig
Back in 2009, Ryan Reynolds stepped onto the Studio 8H stage for the first and only time as the scheduled host. He was great. He has that natural, self-deprecating timing that works perfectly for live comedy. You’d think a guy with that kind of success would be a Five-Timer by now, right?
He isn't.
Instead of hosting, he's basically become the ultimate "special guest" of the show. He shows up when he wants, gets the loudest cheers, and leaves before the 1:00 AM goodnights. It's a vibe.
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The Guy Who Knows the Owner
If you want to see Ryan Reynolds at his absolute peak on Ryan Reynolds Saturday Night Live history, you have to look at 2019. Will Ferrell was hosting. Alex Moffat was in the middle of his legendary run as "The Guy Who Just Bought a Boat" on Weekend Update.
Then it happened.
Reynolds showed up as "The Guy Who Knows the Owner." He wore the same preppy, nauseatingly douchey outfit as Moffat. He mastered that weird, staccato delivery about "shrimping" and "bad sexual performance." It was a masterclass in physical comedy and commitment to a bit.
It was better than most full hosting performances.
That Time He "Sabotaged" Will Ferrell
During that same 2019 episode, Reynolds appeared in the monologue. Will Ferrell was trying to do his bit, but he kept getting "distracted" because Reynolds was sitting in the front row.
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"I'm just a big fan," Reynolds deadpanned.
He played the part of the over-eager fan so well that Ferrell (acting, of course) completely lost his mind. This is what Reynolds does best. He uses his massive "Movie Star" energy to play a weirdo or a nuisance. It’s why he works so well in the SNL environment. He isn't afraid to look like an idiot.
The SNL 50 Anniversary Cameo
More recently, in February 2025, the world saw Ryan Reynolds back on the peacock-colored stage for the massive SNL50 anniversary special. He wasn't there alone. He was spotted with Blake Lively, and the two of them even managed to weave some of their real-world headlines into the night.
Specifically, they made a few self-aware nods toward the legal drama surrounding It Ends With Us and Justin Baldoni.
It’s that kind of transparency—mixing real-life "celeb drama" with the irreverence of the show—that makes his appearances feel special. He doesn't just show up to plug a movie; he shows up to be part of the culture.
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Why hasn't he hosted more?
It’s a mystery.
Maybe he's too busy running a gin empire, a soccer team in Wales, and a marketing agency. Or maybe he just prefers the "cameo" life. Being a host is hard work. You’re there all week. You’re writing until 4:00 AM on Tuesday. You’re doing rehearsals for 12 hours a day.
When you cameo, you just show up on Saturday, get a huge laugh, and go to the after-party.
Smart move, Ryan.
The Stats (Because People Love Lists)
- Official Hosting Date: October 3, 2009.
- Memorable Cameos: 2017, 2019, 2025 (SNL50).
- The "Boat" Connection: Played Alex Moffat’s cousin/friend twice.
- Most Common Partner: Often appears alongside or during episodes hosted by friends like Will Ferrell or Ryan Gosling.
What’s Next for Ryan and Studio 8H?
Fans have been begging for a proper Ryan Reynolds Saturday Night Live return for years. With the Deadpool franchise continuing to dominate and his status as a permanent A-lister cemented, the door is always open.
If you want to see his best work, don't just look for the episodes where he's the host. Search for the "Guy Who Just Bought a Boat" clips. Watch the Will Ferrell monologue. That's where the real magic happens.
Your Next Step: Go to YouTube and search for "Ryan Reynolds Guy Who Knows the Owner." It is arguably the best three minutes of his television career and perfectly explains why he is the king of the SNL cameo.