Ep 12. Blake Shelton

In the 12th episode of season 40 of Saturday Night Live, country music star Blake Shelton takes on the hosting duties for the very first time. Known for his dry wit and good-natured sense of humor, Shelton brings his own brand of charm and charisma to the iconic SNL stage.

The show kicks off with a cold open that satirizes the recent controversy surrounding the Republican Party's decision to exclude Fox News from their presidential debates. The sketch features a number of high-profile Republican candidates, including Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, and Donald Trump, as they try to make their case for why Fox News deserves a spot at the debates.

Shelton takes the stage for his monologue, which includes a hilarious opening musical number that pokes fun at his own country roots. The singer is clearly in his element as he jokes about his rural Oklahoma upbringing and his newfound fame as a coach on NBC's hit show The Voice.

The first sketch of the night features a group of friends who are shocked to discover that their quiet, unassuming friend (played by Shelton) is actually a secret superhero. The sketch is classic SNL, with plenty of over-the-top action and a healthy dose of irreverent humor.

Other memorable sketches from the night include a game show parody in which contestants must determine whether their partner is cheating on them, and a darkly comedic sketch in which Shelton plays a prison inmate who is trying to make the most of his time behind bars.

One of the highlights of the episode is a performance by Shelton himself, who takes the stage to perform a number of his greatest hits. The crowd goes wild as he sings favorites like "Honey Bee" and "Boys 'Round Here," showing off his impressive vocal range and undeniable stage presence.

As always, the SNL cast is firing on all cylinders, delivering pitch-perfect performances and hilarious one-liners throughout the night. Whether they're playing a group of overzealous fans at a football game or a group of hapless celebrities trying to survive in the wilderness, the cast members prove once again why they're some of the best in the business.

Ultimately, the Blake Shelton-hosted episode of SNL is a hilarious and memorable installment in the show's long history. With its winning combination of clever writing, talented performers, and timely pop culture references, this episode is sure to go down as a fan favorite for years to come.