“Saturday Night Live” recap: Connor Storrie hosts, “Heated Rivalry” costar Hudson Williams joins in cameo

Andy HoglundSun, March 1, 2026 at 4:54 AM UTC

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Connor Storrie (center) with Sarah Sherman and Mumford & Sons during an 'SNL' promoCredit: Rosalind O’Connor/NBC

Hello there — it’s SNL in Review! Thank you for joining us. Connor Storrie hosts tonight with musical guests Mumford & Sons. Storrie is a great get for the show — perfect timing given the buzz around his hit show, Heated Rivalry.

I am joined tonight by former Saturday Night Live cast member, the excellent John Milhiser. He is “a big fan" of Heated Rivalry.

"I had heard about it before it got picked up by HBO Max," he says. "I always try to keep my finger on the pulse of LGBTQ shows, books or films. But when I heard it was coming to HBO Max, I was over the moon excited. I had NO IDEA it was going to be this emotional, sexy, and moving romp that it was. I saw Connor in a gay coming-of-age film called Riley. He was excellent in that as well. He has range, people! Connor has proved himself as a leading man. I actually loved him so much as a leading man that I decided to cast him to be the lead in a gay action rom-com spec script I wrote called Take Him Out. I made a poster for it and everything. To help manifest it into reality. Yes, I would be playing his love interest. It's a gay James Bond, essentially. How fun is that?” Greenlight this ASAP!

Now, the question is: can Connor be funny? Well, here’s some helpful trivia on tonight’s host. Previously, he took improv classes with The Groundlings while coming up in L.A. Milhiser was not aware of this fact on Storrie’s comedic training, but he says, “I would have loved to have him in my Physicality in Characters class at UCB, though. He can still sign up!”

And we’re off! Scroll down for more. Fresh off winning a gold medal in Milan at the Winter Olympics, Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes will apparently be on the show! He’s gone viral for… a few curious reasons lately!

Cold Open

We are at war with Iran. “Happy World War 3 to all who celebrate,” says James Austin Johnson’s President Trump. He’s become bored with peace, and wants to distract from the Epstein wars. He’s unpredictable, like a box of chocolate: “Gump!” He notes he’s like the new Star Wars movies, you want him until he’s actually back.

The purpose of this? Create chaos in the SNL writers' room. Meta!

Colin Jost is back as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. He’s scared and doesn’t know what he’s doing, despite the angry, drunken bravado.

Monologue

Connor discusses his family-friendly new show and how it has changed his life. He’s still adjusting to his recent success… but also, he’s mentally been preparing for this since he was 12. He grew up in Texas. He keeps cutting to intense interludes, undercutting his vulnerability and humility. As predicted, Jack and Quinn Hughes show up to discover their Olympic experiences… they ask about the hockey show, and Connor hopes some hockey players have watched it. Cue the women’s hockey team! Hillary Knight and Megan Keller figured they’d invite the guys along, a nod to the Trump controversy. They don’t let Connor wear a gold medal, though.

This is not the first time SNL has touched on Heated Rivalry since the show from Canadian streamer Crave blew up. Previously, they aired the Harry Potter-themed spoof of Heated Rivalry, "Heated Wizardry." John Milhiser thought the spoof “was really funny. Great mapping. I'm sure it was a magical moment pitching that gold pitch at SNL. Everyone probably chimed in with ideas on it. An instant classic that I'm sure will be an important sketch to many LGBTQ coming-of-age people. It was definitely sexier than ‘Schmitts Gay’.” Great call.

I like the Boston Raiders joke. NHL? No, HBO.

"Mr. Fronzi"

Mr. Fronzi (Marcello Hernández) has had a bad day. His wife spilled coffee all over him, so he needs silence during his class quiz. He wants no comments from the "penis gallery."

Ricky (Storrie) does an impression of his teacher, causing him to be upset. Hernández is always so loud and broad, but this is relatively sweet and well done.

"The Gentlemen’s Code"

Honor is on the line after gentlemen disagree over a game of croquet. “How dare you!” they say, slapping each other. It escalates — punching, kicking. Even a small dog gets involved.

"Ice Skating"

We are back "outside" 30 Rock. Tommy Brennan is about to propose to his girlfriend (Veronika Slowikowska), as a group of men has a super fun time skating behind them. He can’t get a read on them, distracted. Hudson Williams, Storrie’s Heated Rivalry costar, shows up. (To loud applause.)

Fun setting, fun references, fun skating.

"Tutoring the Cool Kid"

PJ (Storrie) is getting a math lesson from Dirkus (Ben Marshall). He’s so appreciative that he apologizes for bullying him at school. Dirkus takes the opportunity to perform a super dorky rap. It’s embarrassing. He has a long cold, as his parents (Johnson, Ashley Padilla) explain.

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Mumford & Sons, "Ruber Band Man"

Williams and Storrie introduce together "Rubber Band Man" by Mumford & Sons and Hozier. This was a single off the band's new album, Prizefighter.

John Milhiser is a fan, having seen the band last year during a certain special SNL-themed event. He says: “Mumford & Sons were great at SNL 50. My childhood friend Olivia Ritchie and I love seeing them in concert. They are the focus of most of our conversations. Their folky rock anthem-style lyrics draw you in. You can’t help but tap your foot along to the beat, or pick up on the chorus and start singing it by the end of the tune at whatever airport, supermarket, or doctor's office you might be in. It’s a hyper euphoric experience of a sing-along with your best mates. That's right, I said mates. They make you British! After going to a show, you will want to buy a ticket for the next night. Even though you only have two quid left in your britches. Their albums continue to impress and inspire and find new ways to express themselves uniquely and introduce themselves to audiences worldwide. The new album, Prizefighter, has surprise guest features from people like Gracie Abrams and Chris Stapleton, creating a special mix of songs…Olivia and I are bloody obsessed.”

The band has previously appeared a few times before — tonight is their fourth appearance, outside of a cameo when Carey Mulligan hosted. They first played in season 38, then during season 40. The last time was season 44. Milhiser adds, “Carrie Mulligan is one of the best actresses out there. Lucky chap.”

Hozier last appeared in season 50.

"Weekend Update"

The segment kicks off by discussing the death of Ayatollah Khomeini. SNL nerds can note the show has discussed Iran going back to season 5 – I am thinking about the Ted Knight episode.

Michael Che notes that Trump has more black friends than Jost. He also has a great joke about Tourette’s.

Beth’s maid of honor, Katie (Slowikowska), comes on to summarize the many headlines since the show was last on. Slowikowska nails the awkward cadence of these speeches. “No, but seriously.” She comments on Beth’s love of mimosas, then pivots hard into Jeffrey Epstein. It took Cody four years to define his relationship with Beth, just like the length of the Ukraine war.

Discussing a new Epstein photo featuring Stephen Hawking, Jost has a new segment, Hear Me Out. Oof!

A baby monkey named Punch has recently gone viral. Punch’s mom comes on to defend herself. Familiar Sarah Sherman "Update" territory. She gets jeers like straight out of Jerry Springer. In a surprise, Punch comes out!

"Leg Lengthening"

Griff (Hernández) got the leg-lengthening surgery. He just got back from Turkey. Now he’s like 7’2.

I like Mikey Day talking about the latest Hilary Duff headlines.

Office dance

There’s been a third round of layoffs, and office morale is low. Coworkers brainstorm ideas — Storrie suggests a dance, Severance style. I like this — the music, the goofy Mumford & Sons ending.

Good Andrew Dismukes and JAJ moments here.

Mumford & Sons, "Here"

"Here" features Chris Stapleton as the opening track on the new album. Sierra Ferrell joins them here. She’s going on tour with them.

Good stuff.

Bachelorette Party

A male stripper (Storrie) has arrived for a gig after being hit by a car. He’s injured, and clearly needs medical help… but wants to perform. Funny moment with him and Sarah Sherman. The crowd loves it.

Is this the same character universe as the Josh O’Connor sketch? Like, same friend group, same male stripper company? It should be.

Final thoughts -

Huge thank you to John Milhiser for his super witty and insightful commentary. Please consider giving him a follow on Instagram: @JohnMilhiser.

What did you think? Vote!

Storrie was game — fair amount of guest appearances propping him up, though?

on Entertainment Weekly

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”