Quinta Brunson Proves Height is No Barrier in Hilarious SNL Return
Quinta Brunson, the Emmy-winning creator and star of Abbott Elementary, returned to Saturday Night Live for her second hosting gig, delivering a masterclass in comedy while celebrating her 4’11” stature. Joined by pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter and musical guest Benson Boone, Brunson turned her height into a punchline-packed anthem and showcased her versatility in a night of standout sketches.
Short & Proud: Brunson and Carpenter’s Height Anthem
Brunson kicked off her monologue with a witty ode to being under five feet tall. “I’m proof you can do anything—even if people literally look down on you,” she joked, before launching into a musical number. She humorously recounted how her height accidentally won her a limbo contest and compared herself to Simone Biles (4’8”), Kendrick Lamar (5’5”), and Tom Holland (5’7”).
Sabrina Carpenter, 5’1”, joined the fun, quipping, “When you read short stories, do they feel like novels?” The duo traded jokes until NBA legend Dwyane Wade (6’4”) crashed the song, joking, “In the NBA, I felt 4’10”!” The segment ended with Brunson declaring, “Short kings and queens, unite!”
Benson Boone’s Piano Backflips and Flirty Serenade
Musical guest Benson Boone made his SNL debut with flair, literally flipping into the spotlight. After a backflip off his piano, he serenaded Brunson with Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else, earning a playful side-eye from the host. Boone later returned with a soulful performance of Mystical Magical, cementing his status as a rising star.
The singer also popped up in a Weekend Update skit as an Applebee’s waiter, nodding to his hit Beautiful Things. With his second album American Heart dropping June 20, Boone’s energetic set and charm left fans buzzing.
Comedy Gold: Brunson’s Sketch Highlights
Brunson flexed her comedic chops in a series of absurd yet brilliant sketches:
– Time-Traveling Harriet Tubman: Paired with Kenan Thompson’s Frederick Douglass, Brunson played a reluctant hero avoiding the past in a Bill & Ted parody.
– Forever 31’s “Sad Clothing”: As a model for oversized, depressing athleisure, she deadpanned, “Because joy is overrated.”
– Gorilla Showdown: Brunson and Ego Nwodim played trash-talking women facing off with a zoo gorilla.
– Only Seniors Couple: A spicy insurance ad featured Brunson and a co-star redefining “senior romance.”
Even a recurring “Traffic Altercation” sketch felt fresh, proving Brunson’s ability to elevate SNL’s writing with her sharp timing.
Cold Open: Trump’s Bizarre Executive Orders
The episode’s cold open saw James Austin Johnson’s Donald Trump signing absurd orders, like deporting Elmo (“Brought to you by the letter L for El Salvador”), reviving Columbus Day for “Italian-Americans” like Tony Soprano, and banning ghosts. Mikey Day’s vampiric Stephen Miller added to the chaos, while Marcello Hernández’s Marco Rubio outlawed ear piercings for Hispanic babies.
Why Brunson Deserves an SNL Hall of Fame Pass
Unlike some hosts who falter on return, Brunson soared, blending physical comedy, wit, and heart. From her phone sex line jokes (“$1.38 in my first week”) to her heartfelt height anthem, she reminded audiences why Abbott Elementary resonates—authenticity rules.