Will Ferrell’s SNL Opening Hijacked by Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith – Watch the Viral Doppelgänger Sketch

Will Ferrell’s SNL Finale Hijacked by His Look-Alike, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith

The Season 51 finale of Saturday Night Live took an unexpected turn on Saturday, May 16, 2026, when host Will Ferrell’s opening monologue was derailed by his longtime doppelgänger, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith. In a pre-planned but hilarious twist, Smith—dressed identically to Ferrell—emerged on stage first, greeting the audience as if he were the host. The confusion escalated when Ferrell appeared moments later, demanding, “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” to which Smith replied, “I think I’m hosting the show.”

The two have long played on their uncanny resemblance, a running joke that dates back to at least 2014, when Ferrell famously won a drum-off against Smith on The Tonight Show (using a cowbell to his advantage) and later raised nearly $500,000 for charity. Their dynamic continued during the SNL finale, with Ferrell eventually shooing Smith offstage—only for the skit to take another surreal turn when Sir Paul McCartney, the show’s musical guest, joined in the act. McCartney, mistaking Ferrell for Smith, demanded the “real” drummer take his place, adding to the night’s chaotic charm.

Later in the show, Smith fulfilled his role as the musical guest’s drummer, performing with McCartney on new songs “Days We Left Behind” (from McCartney’s upcoming album The Boys of Dungeon Lane) and “Band on the Run,” as well as the solo hit “Coming Up.” The performance marked the first time Smith had drummed for McCartney since their 2014 charity concert, where they also covered The Rolling Stones’ “Honky Tonk Women” alongside Pearl Jam and Guns N’ Roses.

Ferrell and Smith’s history of pranks and collaborations has cemented their status as entertainment’s most unlikely yet enduring duo. Their latest SNL stunt—part of a long-running bit—highlighted how even legends like Ferrell and McCartney can’t resist the joke. The finale, originally set to conclude the show’s 51st season, ended with a mix of musical triumph and comedic chaos, leaving audiences laughing at the absurdity of a drummer hijacking a host’s monologue.