Billie Eilish is in her Mechanic Era (CREDIT: NBC/Screenshot)

It’s the last new SNL of 2023, former cast member Kate McKinnon has returned to host, Billie Eilish is the musical guest for the third time, Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph also stopped by – clearly, everyone just wants to have fun.

A few times in the past, I’ve adopted a reviewing strategy themed around a holiday. But I’ve never done it for New Year’s Day before, seeing as SNL tends to bypass that time of the year. But I’m going to go ahead and not bypass it. Thus for this episode, I’m reviewing each sketch by declaring “Happy New Year!” to someone or something.

95t Annual Christmas Awards: Happy New Year to well-behaved bull mastiffs!

Kate McKinnon’s Monologue: Happy New Year to phone calls from Lorne Michaels!

North Pole News Special Report: Happy New Year to important updates read by Bowne Yang!

Pongo: Happy New Year to fresh narratives told efficiently!

Abba Christmas: Happy New Year to Frostitita, of course.

Apologetic Gift Giving: Happy New Year to parents meeting boyfriends, because that’s a really fun activity.

Tampon Farm: Happy Birthday to Lilith Fair Revivalism?

Billie Eilish, “What Was I Made For?”: Happy New Year to a future of more great original movies!

Weekend Update: The Jokes: Happy New Year, of course, to “Dr. Hattie Davis.”
Weekend Update: Rich Auntie with No Kids: Happy New Year to clean-smelling bathrooms.

Yankee Swap: Happy New Year to always looking on the bright side of life!

Billie Eilish, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”: Happy New Year to the double bass.

Cinema Classics: Happy New Year to St. Louis, apparently.

Whiskers R We: Happy New Year to twentysomethings moving back in with their parents… and everyone being happy about it!

After a few weeks, 2024 will provide some new Saturday Night Live starting on January 20 in the form of host Jacob Elordi (Lordy, Lordy) and musical guest Reneé Rapp (Does Reneé rap?).