Bad Bunny’s SNL Hosting Debut : Saturday Night Live has been a cultural lighthouse for nearly 50 years, a live-comedy institution where legends are made and careers are defined. But on the night of October 4th, 2025, the show didn’t just host a performer; it surrendered its stage to a force of nature. Bad Bunny, the global music phenom, didn’t just host SNL—he commandeered it, creating one of the most talked-about, controversial, and utterly electrifying episodes in the show’s modern history.
Forget the standard host jitters. This was a theatrical event, a raw and unscripted-feeling showcase where the artist grappled with his own mega-stardom, addressed a viral firestorm head-on, and blurred the lines between sketch comedy and personal manifesto. This is the inside story of what really happened.
Bad Bunny Monologue : More Than Just Jokes
From the moment he stepped onto the iconic Studio 8H stage, the tension was palpable. Dressed not in a typical host’s suit but in a stylish, casual outfit that screamed “I’m here on my terms,” Bad Bunny kicked off his monologue in Spanish. It was a bold, powerful move that immediately signaled this wouldn’t be business as usual.
He swiftly transitioned to English, welcoming the audience with a charismatic smile, but the pleasantries were a setup. He quickly addressed the elephant in the room: the intense, often toxic backlash he faced after his groundbreaking Super Bowl LVII performance. With a mix of defiance and weariness, he called out the “haters” and the racist undertones of the criticism, stating that he wouldn’t be silenced or forced into a box. This wasn’t a comedian telling jokes; it was a global star using the biggest comedy platform in the world to set the record straight. The audience was initially stunned, then erupted in supportive applause. The tone for a historic night was set.
The Sketches : A Showcase of Controlled Chaos
What followed was a whirlwind of sketches that perfectly mirrored Bad Bunny’s eclectic and unpredictable artistry. The writers clearly tailored the night to his unique strengths, resulting in a episode that felt fresh, bizarre, and uniquely “Bunny.”
-
“The Last Trumpet on Earth“: In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, Bad Bunny played a lone survivor whose prized possession is a slightly bent trumpet. The sketch’s humor came from the stark contrast between the grim setting and his character’s unwavering commitment to playing mellow, almost-lonely notes, much to the annoyance of his fellow survivors (played by a brilliantly deadpan Kenan Thompson and Chloe Troast). It was absurd, visually striking, and a perfect vehicle for his understated comedic timing.
-
“Dual Role Drama”: Proving his versatility, Bad Bunny took on two wildly different roles in a single sketch about a corporate retreat. He first played a hyper-efficient, no-nonsense CEO, then seamlessly transformed into the company’s laid-back, spiritual “Vibe Consultant.” Watching him argue with himself, switching accents and physicality on a dime, was a masterclass in performance that showcased his range beyond music.
-
The Latino Superhero Parody: In a sharp and timely sketch, the show parodied the explosion of Latino-led superhero films. Bad Bunny played “El Fuego,” a hero whose powers were hilariously mundane yet culturally specific, saving the day with a perfectly seasoned batch of arroz con pollo. The sketch was both a celebration and a clever satire, landing perfectly with its target audience while remaining accessible to all.
Addressing the Super Bowl Backlash Head-On
The most pivotal moment of the night, however, wasn’t a pre-written sketch. It was a raw, semi-scripted segment where Bad Bunny directly confronted the fury he faced after his Super Bowl halftime show. In a talk-show-style setup, he sat down with “Weekend Update” co-anchor Michael Che.
What was planned as a few quick jokes transformed into a poignant interview. Che, playing the straight man, asked pointed questions about the criticism. Bad Bunny, dropping any pretense of character, responded with startling candor. He spoke about the pain of being told to “stick to music” and the frustration of having his cultural expression labeled as “too ethnic” or “not American enough.”
He powerfully stated, “They want my rhythm, but they don’t want my voice. They want my culture, but they don’t want my truth.” This line instantly became a social media rallying cry. By addressing the controversy so openly on SNL, he effectively reframed the narrative, turning criticism into a conversation about representation and artistic freedom. It was a risky, brave move that solidified the episode as more than just comedy—it was a cultural moment.
Bad Bunny Musical Performances : Intimate and Electrifying
As the night’s musical guest as well, Bad Bunny delivered two stunning performances. Stripping back the pyrotechnics of his stadium tours, the stage was set with minimalist artistry. He performed his latest hit, followed by a soulful, acoustic-led rendition of one of his classic tracks.
The performance was intimate, raw, and focused entirely on the music and his connection with the live band. It served as a powerful reminder of why he’s a global superstar underneath the controversy—the man can genuinely command a room with nothing but his voice and presence. For fans, it was a treat. For skeptics, it was compelling evidence of his sheer talent.
The Verdict : A New Blueprint for SNL?
So, did it work? By traditional SNL standards, the episode was chaotic and uneven. But in 2025, “traditional” is often synonymous with “forgettable.” Bad Bunny’s episode was anything but. It was a water-cooler moment, a trending topic on every platform, and a showcase that proved SNL can still be a relevant arena for high-stakes cultural discourse.
He didn’t just read cue cards; he brought his entire world onto the stage—the pride, the pain, the rhythm, and the rebellion. According to sources like NBC Insider, the energy backstage was electric, with cast and crew feeling they were part of something special.
This episode will be remembered not for a perfectly polished joke, but for its fearless authenticity. In a media landscape that often demands conformity, Bad Bunny’s SNL hosting gig was a defiant, messy, and glorious act of non-compliance. He didn’t just survive SNL; he made it his own, and in the process, may have just rewritten the rulebook for what a host can be. As reported by outlets from The Hollywood Reporter to CNN, the conversation is just beginning. For a deeper dive into the cultural impact of Latino artists in mainstream media, you can explore analyses on platforms like Rolling Stone.
One thing is certain: when the history of this SNL season is written, the night Bad Bunny took over 30 Rockefeller Plaza will be a defining chapter.
