In May 1998, David Duchovny had the honour of hosting the season finale of Saturday Night Live, one of the most coveted spots in American television comedy. His hosting stint came at the absolute peak of his fame — The X-Files was a global phenomenon and he had just starred in the blockbuster spin-off film — making his SNL appearance a major cultural event.
David Duchovny Hosts SNL – Season Finale 1998
Duchovny proved to be a natural on the SNL stage, demonstrating the dry wit and comic timing that had endeared him to audiences beyond his dramatic work on The X-Files. The season finale included several memorable sketches, including appearances in "Mango" — the recurring Chris Kattan character — and "Goat Boy," as well as a sketch in which Duchovny played a deadpan impression of Jeff Goldblum.
A fan who attended the dress rehearsal documented the evening in detail, providing a unique insider account of how the sketches evolved from rehearsal to broadcast. Behind-the-scenes clips and images from the episode were preserved and shared by dedicated fans, capturing the warmth and energy of what was clearly a memorable night for cast and host alike.
Janet Reno and the Cheerleaders
Among the most talked-about moments of the episode were a Janet Reno sketch and a cheerleaders sketch — both preserved in video clips archived on DuchovnyNet. These clips remain a delightful record of Duchovny's comedic abilities and his easy rapport with the SNL ensemble, reinforcing that his talents extended well beyond the paranormal drama that made him famous.