The first “SNL” of 2023 was a big hit.
Aubrey Plaza hosted, Sam Smith was the musical guest, and the total viewers hit a very healthy 4.8 million. This episode tied Dave Chappelle’s hosting night after the 2022 elections.
There were guest stars aplenty, too. The mighty, sexy Sharon Stone turned up in one of Smith’s numbers and on her own. It was great to see her.
Amy Poehler rolled in for “Weekend Update” playing her “Parks and Recreation” character Leslie Knope. Amy needs to get back to regular work and away from her craft show or whatever that thing is.
Also, strangely, came the Property Brothers and Tony Hawk.
Smith was weird, but the rest of the show was pretty good and funny. James Austin Johnson is starting to do more work as an actor and not just a mimic (which we love). He’s really knocking it out of the park.
Plaza brought her “White Lotus” fans with her, although the parody of the HBO Show– called “The Black Lotus” — didn’t include her.
