SNL Season 52 Episode 5 updates: Druski's hosting debut, James Talarico's cameo and The Strokes performance

Archi Biswas Sun, November 8, 2026 at 7:56 AM UTC

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Emma Stone and Druski in SNL Season 52 Episode 5 ©X/@thesnlnetwork

SNL Season 52 Episode 5 aired on November 7, 2026, featuring comedian Druski as a host, making his SNL debut. Druski became the first digital content creator to host the long-running late-night show. The musical guest for the evening was the rock band The Strokes.

According to Entertainment Weekly, former cast members Gary Kroeger and Chris Kattan praised Druski.

Here's more about SNL Season 52 Episode 5.

SNL Season 52 Episode 5 recap: Cold Open

The episode began with Sarah Sherman's Chuck Schumer and Kenan Thompson's Hakeem Jeffries celebrating the midterm election victories. The Democrats proceeded to tell Trump to "knock it off!" They further debated passing the torch to the next generation of Democrats.

James Austin Johnson played a confused Donald Trump who was still trying to figure out the Democrats' massive win in the midterm elections. It seemed like the next two years would not be easy for Trump now that Democrats have taken over Congress. Austin Johnson's Trump then contacted Colin Jost's Pete Hegseth. James Talarico, the elected Senator from Texas, popped up, saying he wants to work together.

Druski's heartfelt monologue in SNL Season 52 Episode 5

Druski revealed that it was his dream to host SNL. Druski pointed out some lies and truths about himself before revealing that he has made a few rules to follow, such as no cussing. He also introduced his family sitting in the audience section, cheering for him. Just as he was thinking about how to repay his family's contribution, his grandmother asked for some money.

Druski's co-star Emma Stone also made an appearance. They joked about Druski not being her love interest in the film. Druski complimented Stone's Oscar-nominated work in Bugonia.

Washington in Focus and Dru Can See Everything

Thompson's Marcus James appears in a panel discussion called Washington in Focus. He introduces Andrew Dismukes's Daniel Roth from The Atlantic. They also mix up Jerome Brown from the Federal Reserve, showing a picture of a guy with a saxophone.

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In the next act of SNL Season 52 Episode 5, Jane Wickline plays Elizabeth Holmes and Ben Marshall plays her partner, Billy. Before they contacted Nathan Fielder to make a documentary about her final days in prison, they hired Druski.

SNL Season 52 Episode 5: Bubu Mobile, Birthday Girl and New Health Tracker

In the following sequence titled Bubu Mobile, two friends try to purchase a phone at a Dominican phone store. Jeremy Culhane and Mike Day appear as two friends while Marcello Hernandez plays a phone store employee. Druski also joined them, making the act a laughter riot.

In the next act titled Birthday Girl, Veronika Slowikowska plays Tina, who is served shrimp fajitas at Daniella's (Druski's character) birthday. Daniella is clearly upset with Tina ordering fajitas at her birthday and hilariously breaks down.

The New Health Tracker sketch introduced a new app with personalized health insights. The app claims not to sell workout data to Big Tech. However, it does have a guy (Druski) who hangs out at the corner to monitor and analyze the data. He seems to be rude but is harmless.

The Strokes performance in SNL Season 52 Episode 5

The Strokes performed Lonely in the Future. Kattan praised the band, saying that he is looking forward to hearing how the band has evolved. He said that he has been a big fan of The Strokes. The Strokes also performed Going Shopping.

SNL Season 52 Episode 5: Weekend Update with Colin Jost and Michael Che

With the Democrats winning the midterm elections and Republicans facing major losses, the Weekend Update segment turned thrilling. Jost took a jab involving Jeffrey Epstein and Trump. Speaking about Democrats winning major seats, Jost added that his grandfather was correct as the whole country was transitioning. Jeremy Culhane played Elon Musk, who appeared at the update desk to comment on his tough week.

A Failed Proposal and Wedding Photographers

Sherman plays Jamie, and Culhane plays Alec in the act titled A Failed Proposal. Jamie and Alec are eating at the restaurant where they went for their first date. Alec proposed to Jamie; however, she declined his proposal. Druski appears and sings She Said Yes, accompanied by a performance by singers and dancers with a marching band. Following the failed proposal, the camera rolls into a wedding sequence where two photographers, Roxy (Grace Reiter) and Baptiste, are eager to shoot. They are able to shoot everything except the first kiss.

Also Read: SNL Season 52 Episode 4 breakdown

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”