On March 30, 2024, Ramy Youssef took center stage as both host and performer on an episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL), showcasing his multifaceted talent as an actor and comedian. The Egyptian-American star shared the spotlight with musical guest Travis Scott, delivering a night filled with humor and poignant moments.
Throughout its long-running history, Saturday Night Live has featured many renowned guest stars such as Jim Carrey, Adam Sandler, and Will Ferrell. Youssef participated in several sketches that evening, including “Ozempic for Ramadan,””Couple Goals,”and “Immigrant Dad Talk Show.”
Highlights from Ramy Youssef’s Monologue
In his opening monologue, Youssef touched on the intersection of cultural events with humor, noting the unique timing of Ramadan, Easter, and the release of Beyoncé’s new album. This light-hearted start transitioned into a more serious discussion about prayer, revealing that many of his friends often seek him out for spiritual support, even those who might not be particularly religious themselves.
Sharing a personal anecdote, he recounted a friend’s ongoing custody battle over a pet dog, which led him to reflect on a more pressing concern—a friend named Ahmed who reached out for prayers for his family in Gaza. This poignant moment underscored the urgency of empathy in the face of conflict.
“I’m like, ‘God, please, please help Ahmed’s family. Please stop the suffering. Stop the violence. Please free the people of Palestine, please,'” stated Ramy Youssef.
Youssef expanded on his message by calling for the freedom of all hostages affected by the conflict. He also weighed in on the political landscape, suggesting that the next U.S. president should be a woman, emphasizing the distinct perspective a trans woman could bring to leadership during the 2024 election cycle.
This appearance marked Youssef’s inaugural performance on Saturday Night Live, during which he participated in eight comedy sketches, including “The Hitman,””Murder Detective,”and “Tiny Desk Concert.”
Reflecting on His SNL Experience
In an April 12, 2025, interview with Entertainment Weekly, Ramy shared insights about his experience on SNL, particularly regarding the controversial subjects he tackled in his monologue. He explained that while discussing the Gaza conflict on live television is unconventional, he felt more stressed about remaining silent and facing potential backlash than about addressing the issue directly.
“It’s more nerve-racking to try to shield yourself from whatever criticism is gonna come. And plenty of it has come,”said Ramy.
Ramy defended his statements, asserting they were “inoffensive,”despite acknowledging that some viewers might find the topic sensitive. He emphasized that caring about the suffering and safety of innocent individuals is not a controversial stance and expressed a commitment to voicing his concerns.
Ultimately, Youssef’s bold commentary illustrates the power of comedy to address significant societal issues. He believes that speaking out on such matters is not only necessary but also closely aligned with his values and perspective.
Catch new episodes of Saturday Night Live every Saturday at 11:30 PM ET on NBC, with episodes available the following day on Peacock.