John Mulaney’s Dark Humor Steals the Spotlight at SNL’s 50th Anniversary

A Morbidly Funny Opening to a Milestone Celebration

The Saturday Night Live (SNL) 50th anniversary special was always going to be a star-studded, nostalgia-filled event, but it was John Mulaney who brought a twisted sense of humor to the stage. As a former SNL writer, Mulaney joined comedy legend Steve Martin for the opening monologue, delivering a performance that was both a tribute to the show and a darker reminder of its complex history. Mulaney wasted no time in acknowledging the Houdini-like writers behind the scenes, who have bw Witchcrafted jokes and sketches for decades. But he quickly shifted focus to the real “heart and soul” of SNL: its celebrity hosts. As he surveyed the room, he dropped a chilling yet hilarious bombshell: “Over the course of 50 years, 894 people have hosted Saturday Night Live, and it amazes me that only two of them have committed murder.”

The line was classic Mulaney—dark, unexpected, and delivered with the kind of deadpan precision that left the audience both horrified and entertained. Steve Martin, standing beside him, mouthed a mockingly impressed “wow,” playing along perfectly like the seasoned performer he is. But the real magic of the joke lay in its ambiguity. Mulaney never named the two hosts he was referencing, leaving the audience and viewers at home to piece together the puzzle.

The Two Most Likely Suspects: O.J. Simpson and Robert Blake

It didn’t take long for social media to go into detective mode. While Mulaney’s comment was clearly in jest, it was no secret that only two former SNL hosts have been famously embroiled in murder cases—O.J. Simpson and Robert Blake. Both men have had careers overshadowed by their real-life legal dramas, which seem like the stuff of true crime documentaries.

O.J. Simpson, the former football star and actor, hosted SNL in 1978, long before his life took a tragic turn. In 1994, his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman were found stabbed to death. Simpson was acquitted in a highly publicized trial, but the case remains one of the most infamous in American history, with many believing he was guilty despite the “not guilty” verdict.

Robert Blake, another former host, also has a dark cloud hanging over his career. He hosted SNL in 1982, long before his wife, Bonny Lee Bakley, was found dead in his car in 2001. Blake was acquitted of her murder in 2005, but the case is still widely debated, with many questioning his involvement. Interestingly, Blake is also known for his role as Perry Smith in the 1967 film adaptation of In Cold Blood, a chilling coincidence given the real-life events that later unfolded in his life.

While neither Simpson nor Blake was convicted of murder, their association with such high-profile cases made them the obvious targets of Mulaney’s grim humor. It’s worth noting that both men were acquitted, but their lives and careers were forever defined by the allegations against them.

The Audience’s Mixed Reaction: Laughter and Confusion

Mulaney’s joke, while undeniably dark, was met with a mix of laughter and bewilderment. The live audience at the SNL special seemed to appreciate the boldness of the humor, and Steve Martin’s reactions added to the comedic timing. However, not everyone was entirely sure who the joke was about. Social media quickly lit up with speculation, as fans and viewers tried to connect the dots.

“Who knew the SNL stage could hold such dark humor? Oh yeah they could!” tweeted one user, while another mused, “Who were the 2 hosts he was referring to? Most likely answer is O.J. Simpson and Robert Blake, but possibly Alec Baldwin.” While Baldwin has hosted SNL multiple times, he was never charged with murder, despite his involvement in the fatal shooting on the set of Rust in 2021. His initial charge of involuntary manslaughter was dropped in July 2024, so it’s unlikely he was the target of Mulaney’s joke.

The confusion, however, is a testament to the enduring fascination with true crime and celebrity scandals that Mulaney exploited in his joke. By leaving the names unspoken, he allowed the audience to fill in the blanks, turning the moment into a macabre trivia game.

A Grim Reminder of SNL’s Wild History

At its core, Mulaney’s joke was a nod to the chaotic, unpredictable nature of SNL itself. The show has always been a melting pot of talent, controversy, and cultural commentary, and its history is riddled with moments that are as cringeworthy as they are iconic. From the antics of its cast members to the eyebrow-raising choices of its hosts, SNL has never shied away from pushing boundaries—and sometimes, that means brushing up against the darker side of fame.

Mulaney’s dig was a clever way to acknowledge the show’s wild history while also reminding everyone that, at the end of the day, SNL is a reflection of the world we live in—a world where celebrities are human, and humans are flawed. The fact that only two hosts have been accused of murder is both shocking and, in a twisted way, reassuring. After all, for decades, SNL has invited hundreds of people onto its stage, and the vast majority of them have left without any blood on their hands.

The Intersection of Hollywood Glamour and Real-Life Crime

The cases of O.J. Simpson and Robert Blake are deeply intertwined with the public’s obsession with celebrity culture and true crime. Both men were household names before their lives took devastating turns, and their stories have become cautionary tales about the dangers of fame and the blurred lines between reality and illusion.

Simpson’s trial, in particular, was a cultural phenomenon. It was one of the first high-profile cases to dominate 24-hour news cycles, with millions tuning in to watch every twist and turn. His acquittal sparked debates about race, justice, and the power of celebrity—all themes that continue to resonate today. Similarly, Blake’s trial was a tabloid sensation, with his fiery personality and dramatic courtroom outbursts making headlines.

By mentioning these two men in the context of SNL, Mulaney tapped into the public’s familiarity with their stories, turning their infamy into a punchline. It’s a bold move, but it’s also a clever commentary on how we as a society consume and process crime and scandal. We laugh because we recognize the absurdity of it all, even as we’re reminded of the tragedy and pain that lie beneath.

A Legacy of Laughter and Controversy

John Mulaney’s performance at the SNL 50th anniversary special was a fitting tribute to the show’s irreverent spirit. His joke about the two hosts who committed murder was a masterclass in dark humor, walking the fine line between offensive and hilarious. By leaving the names unspoken, he invited the audience to think critically about the show’s history and the cultural significance of its hosts.

At the same time, the moment served as a reminder of the complexities of fame and the lingering impact of past controversies. For better or worse, SNL has always been a platform for voices that challenge, provoke, and entertain—and Mulaney’s monologue was no exception. As the show looks to the future, it’s clear that its legacy will continue to be shaped by moments like these: moments that make us laugh, cringe, and think, often all at once.

In the end, maybe that’s the true power of SNL. It’s not just a comedy show; it’s a mirror held up to our culture, reflecting the absurdities, contradictions, and tragedies of the world we live in. And if there’s anyone who knows how to capture that essence, it’s John Mulaney—proving once again why he’s one of the sharpest comedic voices of his generation.