Shane Gillis hosted Saturday Night Live on 11 October 2026, seven years after getting let go from the cast in 2019. His opening monologue sparked quick backlash from viewers who called jokes about women demeaning toward women. Critics at Variety and Vulture called the monologue a clear misfire.

A Dr. Seuss-inspired sketch during the episode included a not-safe-to-air slip, and Gillis later apologised. The Guardian said the night added to what it called a disappointing stretch of shows for the season.