The singer returned to Studio 8H as host and musical guest.

Saturday Night Live recap: Harry Styles hits back at queerbaiting claims by kissing Ben Marshall

The singer returned to Studio 8H as host and musical guest.

By Andy Hoglund

Andy Hoglund

Andy Hoglund is a writer at **. He has worked at EW since 2019.

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on March 15, 2026 1:35 a.m. ET

Harry Styles returns to 'SNL' to pull double duty. Credit:

Saturday Night Live/Youtube

Hey there, it’s your latest SNL in Review: season 51 guidebook. Follow along for tonight’s recap!

Tonight’s host Harry Styles has made a range of appearances to 8H over the years. Since 2012, he has appeared as a member of One Direction as the musical guest three times, been a solo musical guest and cameoed — including just last week! This is his second time as host and musical guest.

Former cast member John Milhiser recalls One Direction being the "hottest band" when they came to *SNL *in 2013 when he was a cast member. "They sang their perfect song, ‘Story of My Life’. That song was on the soundtrack of my life that year," he continues. "I wanted to have all of One Direction sign a photo for my niece as a Christmas gift. Every girl's dream, right? I was sure to be awarded best uncle ever on Christmas morning. They were all obviously kind enough to sign it. I gave it to my niece, Josephine, Christmas morning and she politely thanked me and put it to the side and continued opening gifts. She kept me humble."

He also notes that at the after-party following that season 39 episode, "I was talking to Niall [Horan] from One D. We were having a great conversation. He's a nice fellow. Anytoot, we were talking, I was killing with jokes and then this sloppy girl I didn't know came barreling over and said, ‘Hey, John! I used your name to get into the party. Hope you're not mad. Thanks!’ She then proceeds to spill her red alcohol drink on Niall's white swaggy shoes. I was like, ‘No! What are you doing?!’ Niall was upset but very polite. He removed himself from the situation. The girl laughed it off and continued on her way. I felt so embarrassed. Niall never talked to me after that. I never saw him again. I blame her."

Scroll down for more insights!

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We are at a gas station! A family is going to grandma's. Donald Trump (James Austin Johnson) interrupts to discover Harry Styles and gas prices! The stock market is going…one direction. He also opines on the cast members: "Padilla! Haircut!"

Jake Paul heard boos at the Mike Tyson fight, which cues Colin Jost’s Secretary Hegseth, from the backseat of the family’s car. “Listen up! Hashtag winning,” he says as Trump wanders around. I don’t know that we needed this again.

Of course, the show can’t resist a Timothée Chalamet/opera reference.

Styles couldn’t resist hosting again when he heard about who was performing tonight.  He sounds a bit low energy. He catches us up on his life over the past few years.

He busts out some Italian and a few female cast members pop out on stage to get kissed…well, Ben Marshall comes out too. He has a tight bun and wants a kiss. “Now *that's* queerbaiting,” Styles quips, clapping back at past criticism that he was queerbaiting with his clothes. And…that’s it.

“Sebastian Maniscalco: New Lawyer"

New Jersey versus Donovan. Kenan Thompson plays the judge. The public defender is none other than the world famous comedian Sebastian Maniscalco. He is an attorney now. Yes, Marcello Hernandez brings back his impression from the Glen Powell episode. Lots of moving around, barely talking about the case. People are captivated by the way he talks.

The prosecutor (Styles) decides to do his own Sebastian — Styles has been pretty subdued until now.

"MAHAspital"

For people who love *The Pitt* but can’t stand its phony liberal science, RFK Jr. and a Facebook group present "MAHAspital." Coming soon to The Daily Wire! Johnson plays RFK Jr. — not sure the voice is right. What they do here is dangerous and irresponsible… but they do it anyway.

A certified energy healer, Veronika Slowikowska is doing a decent Fiona Dourif.

"Sparkle of the Sea"

Cruise ship hosts Styles and Chloe Fineman in goofy German accents introduce silly European variety acts such as Jean K. Jean (Thompson), a Def Comedy Jam act by way of Pierre Escargot. These acts don’t speak English, but they sing it phonetically — including Styles’ own music!

"Best Buy: Mr. Pooty”

A store team has come in early to discuss new changes to the rewards program. Starting today, customers who sign up will get double points on appliances.

Mr. Pooty (Thompson), an employee, is confused — there are rumors about sexual advances he’s been making in the workplace. Is he being arrested? Is he in trouble? He’s bizarre. His superior (Mikey Day) assures him there have been no rumors. Mr. Pooty shifts the conversation to a potentially bicurious employee, Christopher, played by Styles. Turns out he has “manipulated his nipples,” as Styles adopts Thompson’s strange lovelorn cadence.

A bit long, a bit ridiculous.

Harry Styles performs “Dance No More”

Ryan Gosling introduces Styles’ “Dance No More,” the 10th track on his latest solo album, *Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally*. The song explores the pull between authentic experience and performative living. Styles appeared last week during Gosling's monologue, so fun to see Gosling returning the favor!

Weekend Update

Iran is all over Update tonight — Jost lands a joke about Obama. Other topics: RFK Jr.’s rotator cuff surgery, the famous *Titanic* pose. Jost gets AI breasts.

The Oscars are on Sunday — and some people think liberal politics are affecting awards too much. Tucker Carlson (Jeremy Culhane) comes out to discuss. Not a bad impression, but have seen better on Instagram! Wonder what Sasha Stone will think about this! "What are we doing? What’s going on?"

Aerial Tramway (Day) and the Heart emoji (Hernandez) come out to discuss the new Apple emojis, and their actual uses in text conversations. Heart is friends with the classic most popular emojis. In fact, he’s been chilling with the Red Dancer emoji. Aerial Tramway is pals with the loser emojis that are rarely used: RBF, right before the flags. Day and Hernandez are having fun.

”White Castle Drive-Thru”

Steve (Styles) is a bad White Castle employee, but he’s a very popular high school athlete. Slowikowska and Jane Wickline are two devoted fans of his. They are intimidated by his beauty and coolness, and keeping driving up to the window. They want to ask him to the dance, but nerves keep causing them to say awkward and embarrassing things. Great performances from Wickline and Slowikowska.

Harry Styles performs “Coming Up Roses"

The absolute legend Paul Simon introduces Harry Styles! He appeared during *SNL50* in the opener. Love seeing someone who goes way back to the show’s first episodes in 8H.

Anyway, “Coming Up Roses” is a vaguely Taylor Swift-esque ballad, also off Styles’ latest album.

"She’s a Dancer"

Styles thinks he has found a freak at the club. Fineman says she’s a dancer, but it's not what he thinks. Get ready for some Irish step and cabbage stew references! Happy St. Paddy’s Day!

"Harry for Him”

Styles has pulled off these looks, and now you can too! Courtesy of Target and Claire's. A number of outfits from Styles' various public appearances are displayed on cast members — they can’t pull it off, suffice it to say. When Styles wore a doll’s dress at a concert, the girls loved it; when Day’s loan officer wore it to work, he was warned by his boss it was inappropriate. (We circle back to the monologue, where Marshall’s butt is discussed.)

Lots of crowd engagement tonight. Not sure the material matched the enthusiasm. Bit long.

Final thoughts

- What did you think? Vote now!

- Follow John Milhiser on Instagram, folks! You will not regret it.

- Less and less Andrew Dismukes these days. Why?

- In case you want some fun *SNL* content while the show is on the break, please check out this great podcast episode featuring yours truly! The Not Ready for Prime Time Project has wrapped the first five seasons, and had me back on with some other all stars to discuss the era’s best bits. Check it out!

Original Article on Source

Source: “EW SNL”