Despite Saturday Night Live initially sparking backlash for tapping Kim Kardashian to host, she surpassed viewers’ exceptions with a hysterical opening monologue and a number of brutal skits poking fun at her famous family.
Within minutes of stepping on the Emmy-winning late-night comedy show’s stage, the 40-year-old reality star got laughs, which were amplified by her ruthless impersonation of older sister Kourtney and kiss with Pete Davidson.
‘Kim just made me feel like a proud parent, look at our baby all grown up and hosting SNL and killing it..That’s my girl,’ one fan tweeted after watching her impressive performance.
Breaking the internet: Despite Saturday Night Live initially sparking backlash for tapping Kim Kardashian to host, she surpassed viewers’ exceptions with a hysterical opening monologue and a number of brutal skits poking fun at her famous family
‘Let tonight be a lesson that you do not put down or underestimate anybody. @KimKardashian,’ another tweeted. @KimKardashian you owned @nbcsnl tonight. You held your own and delivered! Not bad for a girl they say has no talent.’
Others cheekily leaned into a few iconic lines from her reality series Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which aired its final episode in June, by saying she ‘did amazing sweetie.’
Fans were particularly blown away by Kardashian’s first skit with Pete Davidson, which ended with them sharing a kiss.
‘Kim just made me feel like a proud parent, look at our baby all grown up and hosting SNL and killing it..That’s my girl,’ one fan tweeted after watching her impressive performance
Too funny: Others cheekily leaned into a few iconic lines from her reality series Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which aired its final episode in June, by saying she ‘did amazing sweetie’
‘Let tonight be a lesson that you do not put down or underestimate anybody. @KimKardashian,’ another tweeted. @KimKardashian you owned @nbcsnl tonight. You held your own and delivered! Not bad for a girl they say has no talent’
All the compliments: Kardashian’s performance was described as ‘fantastic’
‘Let tonight be a lesson that you do not put down or underestimate anybody. @KimKardashian,’ another tweeted. @KimKardashian you owned @nbcsnl tonight. You held your own and delivered! Not bad for a girl they say has no talent’
Unpopular opinion: One viewer tweeted: ‘Kim Kardashian had a funny opening monologue, but yikes… those skits were rough to watch’
‘Kim Kardashian was funny. I wasn’t expecting that!’ another Twitter user confessed
‘Peter Davidson wrote one skit and his goal was to kiss Kim Kardashian during it,’ one Twitter user quipped.
Meanwhile, the surprising moment had many viewers questioning their existence as they ‘never imagined in a million years’ they would see the pair lock lips.
Social media users also couldn’t get over Kardashian impersonating her sister Kourtney Kardashian, 42, as Judge Kourtney Kardashian on a fictional reality show entitled The People’s Kourt.
Unexpected: Fans were particularly blown away by Kardashian’s first skit with Pete Davidson, which ended with them sharing a kiss
‘Peter Davidson wrote one skit and his goal was to kiss Kim Kardashian during it,’ one Twitter user quipped
Meanwhile, the surprising moment had many viewers questioning their existence as they ‘never imagined in a million years’ they’d see the pair lock lips
Too funny: Social media users also couldn’t get over Kardashian impersonating her sister Kourtney Kardashian, 42, as Judge Kourtney Kardashian on a fictional reality show entitled The People’s Kourt
‘ Kourtney and Kim have always trolled each other and fought the most so it was funny to see Kim pretend to be @kourtneykardash for an SNL skit! Im sure Kourtney had a good laugh,’ one Twitter user raved.
Good reviews: Another said the sketch of ‘Kim pretending to be Kourtney as a judge’ was giving her ‘life right now’ because it’s ‘so good’
‘ Kourtney and Kim have always trolled each other and fought the most so it was funny to see Kim pretend to be @kourtneykardash for an SNL skit! Im sure Kourtney had a good laugh,’ one Twitter user raved.
Another said the sketch of ‘Kim pretending to be Kourtney as a judge’ was giving her ‘life right now’ because it’s ‘so good.’
Kim also trolled Kourtney’s relationship with Travis Barker, friendship with Megan Fox, her younger sisters Kendall and Kylie, ex Kanye West, mom Kris Jenner and herself.
Others predicted the performance may not have been such a big hit with Kourtney
Cheeky: Kim also trolled Kourtney’s relationship with Travis Barker, friendship with Megan Fox, her younger sisters Kendall and Kylie, ex Kanye West, mom Kris Jenner and herself
Savage: When it came to her opening monologue, Kardashian was showered with praise for her ruthlessness, which included saying she was more than just a ‘reference photo’ her sisters show their plastic surgeons
‘I don’t know who wrote Kim Kardashian’s but damn,’ another wrote
‘Omg Kim just roasted her mom’s boyfriend with a single line,’ one viewer wrote in response to the eyebrow-raising joke
Others praised ‘whomever wrote Kim’s monologue’ and said the writer ‘should be nominated for an Emmy’
When it came to her opening monologue, Kardashian was showered with praise for her ruthlessness, which included saying she was more than just a ‘reference photo’ her sisters show their plastic surgeons.
While she received some comparisons to The Pink Panther with her skintight pink catsuit, social media users called her opening monologue shockingly good.
‘Came in with low expectations but Kim Kardashian’s monologue had me HOWLING,’ one Twitter user admitted.
Lookalike: While she received some comparisons to The Pink Panther with her skintight pink catsuit, social media users called her opening monologue shockingly good
‘Came in with low expectations but Kim Kardashian’s monologue had me HOWLING,’ one Twitter user
Others were shocked at how the mom-of-four called her mom Kris Jenner’s boyfriend a ‘gold digger.’
‘Omg Kim just roasted her mom’s boyfriend with a single line,’ one viewer wrote in response to the eyebrow-raising joke.
Many summed up the ‘vicious’ monologue as more of a ‘roast of everyone she’s ever met.’
Others praised ‘whomever wrote Kim’s monologue’ and said the writer ‘should be nominated for an Emmy.’
Not holding back: Many summed up the ‘vicious’ monologue as more of a ‘roast of everyone she’s ever met’
Well okay: Twitter users said ‘wasn’t playing no games with anyone in that monologue’
Sources told TMZ that ‘call times for the SNL talent have been 5 or 6 AM all week … and some of the rehearsals have lasted until 3 AM.’
Kim will likely have a few familiar faces in the audience as her mom, Kris Jenner, touched down in New York recently.
Younger sister Khloe was also on hand for a night out on the town with Simon Huck as they wined and dined on the East Coast.
Grueling: Sources told TMZ that ‘call times for the SNL talent have been 5 or 6 AM all week … and some of the rehearsals have lasted until 3 AM’
Kim certainly has a few big shoes to fill as ratings crashed to an all-time low last week during the season 47 premiere where first time host Owen Wilson scored a 0.92 rating in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic and 4.9 million total viewers, meaning that just .92% of that group watched the show, according to Nielsen.
Her estranged husband Kanye West, 44, reportedly advised Kim ahead of her SNL appearance this weekend.
Friendly: Her estranged husband Kanye West, 44, reportedly advised Kim ahead of her SNL appearance this weekend
The rapper is said to have given her notes on her ‘performance, her opening monologue, even her costumes for the show,’ per TMZ.
Kim and Kanye reportedly have a ‘working relationship’ but are showing few signs they’ll get back together.
Kanye, 44, is said to still be ‘styling’ his estranged wife, and the pair are also co-parenting their four children, North, eight, Saint, five, Chicago, three, and Psalm, two.
Not her thing: In September, Will & Grace star Debra Messing asked fans if she was ‘missing something’ after the announcement, as while Kim is a ‘cultural icon’, those who front the program are usually ‘performers’
An insider told Us Weekly magazine: ‘They have a more of a friendship and working relationship as they coparent. They’re not back together.
‘[Kim] will be involved with Kanye’s work ventures and he will be involved with hers.’
Meanwhile, Kim was said to be ‘nervous’ but excited to prove herself on stage.
In the spotlight: Kim was said to be ‘nervous’ but excited to prove herself on stage
‘Its a big challenge but she is determined to be a success,’ an insider told Fox News.
Although there’s buzz about the TV personality’s SNL debut, actress Debra Messing questioned why Kim is hosting the legendary show.
The Will & Grace star asked fans if she was ‘missing something’ after the announcement, as while Kim is a ‘cultural icon’, those who front the program are usually ‘performers.’
Getting ready: Kardashian seen out and about in NYC ahead of a rehearsal this week
She wrote on Twitter: ‘Why Kim Kardashian? I mean, I know she is a cultural icon, but SNL has hosts, generally, who are performers who are there to promote a film, TV show, or album launch. Am I missing something?’
SNL is hoping Kardashian is a big draw for viewers, especially following the rocky start to season 47.
According to Nielsen data obtained by The Wrap, last weekend’s Saturday Night Live drew a 3.5 household rating.
The numbers were about the same as the final two Season 46 episodes, but down 35% from the Season 46 debut.
The show does, however, typically suffer a post-election year slump, in part explaining the decline.
Can Kim Kardashian save SNL’s ratings after dismal season debut?
Saturday Night Live is hoping Kim Kardashian’s star-power can attract a desperately needed surge in viewers, after this season’s opener earned the show’s lowest ratings in history.
While the reality star’s upcoming hosting gig has attracted a lot of buzz, it will take a ton of eyes to bounce back from last week’s dismal ratings.
According to Nielsen, the season 47 premiere is now the lowest-ranked episode among the show’s key demographic – adults between 18-49.
First time host Owen Wilson’s October 2nd episode scored a 0.92 rating in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic and 4.9 million total viewers, meaning that just .92% of that group watched the show, according to Nielsen.
Ratings magnet? SNL is hoping that this weekend’s host Kim Kardashian can help them bounce back from a dismal season opener, which earned some of the show’s lowest ratings in history
The record for the episode with the all-time fewest viewers is still held by Scarlett Johansson, but that was not a season premiere. Her episode, which aired on May 2, 2015, was watched by 4.7 million viewers.
SNL producer Lorne Michaels has been courting Kardashian to make an appearance for some time.
In August it was reported that Kim and momager Kris Jenner met up with Michaels at the Beverly Hills Hotel’s Polo Lounge.
‘Lorne wants her to do the show,’ an insider told KNEWZ , noting Michaels was hoping to get Kardashian to do the premiere.
Tanked: First time host Owen Wilson’s October 2nd episode scored a 0.92 rating in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic and 4.9 million total viewers, meaning that just .92% of that group watched the show, according to Nielsen
Historic low: The record for the episode with the all-time fewest viewers is still held by Scarlett Johansson, but that was not a season premiere. Her episode, which aired on May 2, 2015, was watched by 4.7 million viewers
Last season, Saturday Night Live jumped up from the second spot back to the top as the number one comedy show among all broadcast and cable networks.
But the show’s ratings and viewership has been sinking in recent years.
The new season opened with a sketch poking fun at President Joe Biden and the division within the Democratic Party but after four years of endless material provided to the show by President Trump, the show has been criticized last season for going easy on President Biden.
This weekend’s episode of Saturday Night Live hosted by Kim Kardashian and featuring musical guest Halsey airs October 9th at 8:30pm PST/ 11:30PM EST.
From Adele to Elon Musk: A look back at SNL’s most surprising guest hosts and which of them bombed
While she may not be a singer, actor, or comedian – Kim Kardashian certainly isn’t the first celebrity that has been a surprising pick as a Saturday Night Live host.
Here, DailyMail.com takes a look at some of the most bizarre choices of SNL guest stars, and which of them bombed live of the night…
Donald Trump (2015)
Former President Donald Trump first hosted SNL in 2004, but it was his 2015 appearance that really caused a stir. The show’s decision to let a Republican Presidential nominee host was met with huge criticism and actual protests against the show. Did it pay off? Cast member Colin Jost later confessed that the episode was ‘pretty bad’ while Killam, who played Trump before Alec Baldwin, called it ’embarrassing and shameful.’ Killiam said: ‘It was rough. It was not enjoyable at the time and something that only grows more embarrassing and shameful as time goes on.’
Trump pictured on his first go at hosting in 2004
Adele (2020)
Saturday Night Live is often credited as launching Adele’s career in the States, as she happened to perform on one of the most highest-rated episodes, on September 13, 2008, when Sarah Palin hosted. However, the singer really shocked fans when she decided to host the show last October, despite not having anything to promote at the time (stars usually appear as part of a promotion trail.) The risky move paid off, as the Someone Like You singer went down a storm with hit skits such as her take on The Bachelor. However, she did receive criticism for the Africa sex tourism sketch, where she, Heidi Gardner and Kate McKinnon played divorcees lusting after African men.
Surprise! Adele shocked fans when she hosted last year
Elon Musk (2021)
The announcement of Elon Musk as host immediately caused outrage both from fans and members of the cast. Many threw shade, including popular star Aidy Bryant who subsequently posted a tweet from U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders that criticized ‘the 50 wealthiest people in America today.’ Bryant was not featured in Musk’s episode. While the end result was a mixed bag of reactions from viewers, the Tesla billionaire received praise from openly talking about suffering from Asperger’s syndrome, while his then-girlfriend, the musician Grimes, also leant her support by appearing on the show with him.
Wrong choice? Some SNL stars were less than happy with Musk as host
Paris Hilton (2005)
A both surprising and brave choice for the comedy gig – sadly Paris Hilton stab at SNL glory did not work out well. She appeared on February 2, 2005, riding high off The Simple Life and played an adulterous Barbie Doll and also Melania Trump. While her skits failed to make much of an impact, it was her behind-the-scenes behavior that was called into question. Then SNL star Tina Fey called her a ‘piece of s**t’ to Howard Stern in 2006. Mean Girls star and writer Fey called the Hilton heiress ‘awful’ and and said that she was ‘unbelievable dumb and so proud of how dumb she is.’
Pictured: (l-r) Jimmy Fallon, Paris Hilton during Weekend Update on December 6, 2008
Ronda Rousey (2016)
At the time, Ronda Rousey was a up and coming UFC star on the verge of breaking through into the mainstream when she hosted in 2016. However, the WWE champ hosted the show just a mere two months after her brutal fight against Holly Holm, and perhaps that coupled with a huge snowstorm around NYC affected her performance as reviews were dismal. IndieWire said Rousey ‘wasn’t that effective’ and that Tina Fey had ‘stolen’ the show from her. ‘Bringing in an athlete as host is always a risky move,’ the review said, but also said Rousey ‘didn’t do anything wrong’ and nailed some comic timing.
Pictured: (l-r) Ronda Rousey and Kate McKinnon as Justin Bieber during the monologue on January 23, 2016
Ron Reagan (1986)
Then-President Ronald Reagan’s son Ron Reagan was considered a surprising choice in 1986, and raised many eyebrows at the time. He opened the show ripping off Tom Cruise in Risky Business as he paraded through the White House in his underwear. Randy Quaid played his father while Terry Sweeney went in full drag as Nancy Reagan. Reports said at the time that Reagan, a former ballet dancer, was allowed to approve everything in the skits beforehand. All in all, the shock hosting gig was not a disaster, and is fondly remembered for a Back to the Future skit.
Pictured: (l-r) Randy Quaid as President Ronald Reagan, Ron Reagan during their Back To The Future skit on February 8, 1986
Nancy Kerrigan (1994)
Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan hosted SNL just a mere few months after she was infamously attacked by Tonya Harding’s boyfriend. Certainly an odd choice, TIME Magazine said Kerrigan ‘put in a supremely awkward performance.’ However, while Kerrigan may have missed the comedic mark – it was a ratings hit, also thanks to a legendary musical Aretha Franklin. Chris Farley and David Spade where also praised for their hilarious commentary of Olympic ice skating during the episode.
Nancy Kerrigan onstage during the monologue March 12, 1994
Catherine Oxenberg (1986)
Many will now recognize the name Catherine Oxenberg as being part of the hit HBO documentary The Vow about NXIVM leader Keith Raniere. But back in the 80s, Oxenberg was a hit on Dynasty playing Amanda Carrington and worthy of the SNL hosting gig. She impressed viewers by comparing her mother on the show Alexis Carrington (Joan Collins) to her famous mother in real-life, Princess Elizabeth of Yugoslavia. Musical guests for the episode included Paul Simon and LadySmith Black Mambazo.
Pictured: Catherine Oxenberg during the Monologue on May 10, 1986
Butt of the joke! The best Kardashian SNL skits over the years
While it may be the first time Kim Kardashian has hosted Saturday Night Live – the reality star has long been fodder for writers on the show.
Here, DailyMail.com takes a look at the some of the finniest skits poking fun at the reality TV star family…
Kristen Wiig as Kris Jenner (2011)
Arguably the best Kardashian-themed skit goes to Wonder Woman star Kristen Wiig who hilariously lampooned the family matriarch Kris Jenner. In the skit, Kristen as Kris is seen trying to get in on the fun as Kim, Khloe and Kourtney pose for sexy photoshoots. Kristen brings the house down with the line: ‘What do I have to do for attention… kill somebody?’
Nicki Minaj as Kim Kardashian (2014)
Rapper Nicki Minaj famously parodied Kim in 2014 on the Weekend Update segment, and joked about her Paper Magazine shoot. Minaj joked that the naked photos of Kim were just missing some context. She joked that they should have included the correct backgrounds against the pictures, including a doctors office, a chalkboard and a beach.
Kim Kardashian (Nasim Pedrad) and Kanye West (Jay Pharoah) were lampooned alongside Lady Gaga playing a Apple Genius employee (2013)
Kim was mocked by the show in 2013, when she was played by Nasim Pedrad. In the skit, Kanye gives a speech about how he turned a whiny Kim into an artist, philosopher, and fashion icon. Hilarity ensues when Lady Gaga shows up as a Genius Bar employee, as Kanye says she doesn’t deserve to be called a ‘genius’ like himself and his wife.
Lampooning: Cecily Strong as Kendall Jenner (2017)
One of the most welcome bashes the famous family received, was when they ripped Kendall Jenner for controversial Pepsi commercial. Considered to be tone-deaf at the time, as it seemed as though Kendall handing a beverage to a cop was the key to ending police brutality. Cecily Strong brought the laughs playing the famous model.
Gal Gadot as Kendall Jenner (2017)
Gal Gadot was also praised for sending up Kendall, when she appeared on SNL in 2017. In it, the Wonder Woman star jokes about a fictitious show called Kendall’s Model House with Gigi and Bella Hadid – where fans can watch them ‘complain around a huge bowl of fruit.’
Lookalike: Kim proved she had somewhat of a sense of humor when she met her SNL impersonator Nasim
Nasim Pedrad was SNL’s resident Kim Kardashian impersonator while starring on the show for five seasons from 2009. She later revealed to Conan O’Brien that upon meeting Kim, she was ‘was very, very scared’ but the reality star was ‘really sweet.’ She explained that Kim wanted to know one thing: ‘At one point she was like, “Do we really sound like that?” I was like ‘…No’, and she just goes, “Ohhh, good!” She was so sweet!”