VIDEO: Bruno Mars Shines As 'Saturday Night Live' Host

Bruno Mars served as both host and musical guest of Saturday Night Live and carried the hit NBC sketch show to its highest ratings of the season, according to THR. The multi-talented performer inevitably drew comparisons to another popular SNL host/musical guest, Justin TImberlake, a fact both SNL’s writers and Mars didn’t shy away from. In his opening monologue, Mars, 27, quickly broke into song, as Timberlake has frequently done. He even poked fun at his lack of acting experience and wondered aloud, “Will I someday regret this as a terrible mistake? Can I put aside my fears? Can I be like Timberlake?”

Mars popped up in a number of sketches, including a digital short in which he dressed up as a mouse mascot and wandered Times Square waving at passersby. Later, he was also featured in a sketch about animatronic robots brought to life on an amusement ride, a bit that Timberlake had previously been featured in as host. As musical guest, Mars performed two songs, “Young Girls” and “Locked Out of Heaven,” from his forthcoming album Unorthodox Jukebox to be released December 11.

A few additional high notes from the episode included a surprise appearance from Tom Hanks in the animatronic robot sketch, as well as the return of the fan favorite character Stefon played by Bill Hader on “Weekend Update.”

Next week, Emmy Award-winning actor/comedian Louis C.K. will host with musical guest Fun. SNL airs Saturdays on NBC at 11:30 p.m. E.T.

See the highlights from this week's episode:

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