Tom Hanks hosts a remote SNL

Actor Tom Hanks, who was among the first prominent people to test positive for COVID-19 and has since recovered, hosted the first “Saturday Night Live” remote episode amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

“It is good to be here, though it’s also very weird to be here hosting ‘Saturday Night Live’ at home,” Hanks said in his monologue from his kitchen. 

“It is a strange time to try and be funny, but trying to be funny is ’SNL’s whole thing,” Hanks added.

The actor made some jokes alluding to his own battle with the coronavirus, including his time being treated in Australia, where he was at the time he and his wife were diagnosed. Hanks said he had to adjust to hearing his temperature in Celsius. 

He said he learned that 36 was good but 38 was bad, joking that it’s like how “Hollywood treats female actresses.”

Ladies and gentlemen, Tom Hanks! #SNLAtHome pic.twitter.com/jCmEnBjSzq

— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) April 12, 2020

Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson said they tested positive for COVID-19 last month when they were down in Australia for a film project.

The SNL cast broadcasted by virtually connecting with each other. 

The show also featured guest appearances from Larry David, playing his recurring role as Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and a call in from Alec Baldwin reviving his role as President Trump. 

Coldplay singer Chris Martin appeared as the show’s musical guest.