Old School. Biblically Independent.
By Dustin Rowles | TV | February 25, 2026
Ben Marshall, who has slowly evolved into an SNL fan favorite post-Please Don’t Destroy, thanks to his pre-tapes (the Harry Potter/Heated Rivalry sketch, for instance), appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers this week after, apparently, trekking through the blizzard on foot from Connecticut.
On the episode, he talked about the origins of the Heated Rivalry sketch, how Jason Momoa picked him up and bounced him like a baby (even though he’s 6’5), and about his transition from writer to sketch performer. On that last point, I hadn’t realized it, but Ben Marshall has written himself in as shirtless a few times this season. And you know what? It works.
I didn’t really see Ben Marshall has thirst-trap material until, ironically, he appeared on former SNL cast member Chloe Troast’s YouTube show a few months ago, but I’m starting to get it. With the departure of Bowen Yang, he may also be the funniest male cast member left on SNL (although Marcello Hernandez fans may disagree). Either way, Marshall feels increasingly central to the show’s future, especially in pre-tapes, where his awkward earnestness and willingness to look ridiculous (and ridiculously hot) really shine.
Here he is being extra charming on Late Night.
And here he is walking through a blizzard to get to the show.
