James Franco SNL Episode Says Final Goodbye to 2009

James Franco is becoming an SNL favorite, since he was invited back for a third time, and for a second hosting gig. This James Franco SNL episode didn't have him plugging a big winter movie or Oscar-bait project - but rather a soap opera. The biggest thing he's done this year is go to Columbia, and take a side job on GeneralHospital. But that was enough to get James Franco back on SNL for their final show of 2009.

This was technically Franco's second SNL appearance this year, since he had a wordless cameo on their first "What Up With That?!" sketch in October. Fittingly, that bit was reprised for a third time last night - though this time, Mike Tyson and Jack McBrayer were drowned out by Kenan Thompson's endless theme song.

SNL also brought back their "Lawrence Welk" takeoff for the cold opening, with Kristin Wiig's deformed performer grossing out Franco. The show also brought back an all-too affectionate family, another Vincent Price special - and even Mark Wahlberg talking to animals again. Franco even reprised his star-making turn as James Dean for Price's Christmas special - though his TNT movie didn't have Liberace all over him.

In addition, Weekend Update confirmed that JerseyShore has arrived in pop culture. Their first parody of the controversial MTV hit had a tanned Bobby Moynihan in drag as Snookie, with a walk-on by Bill Hader as "The Situation." Of course, the words "Guido" and "Guidette" were uttered frequently.

James Franco's SNL episode was another final goodbye to 2009, two days after they barely survived Gilly's Christmas antics. The last show of the year often brings an big Andy Samberg digital short, though he didn't have any new songs this time. But he did put Franco in a "Jammie" theme kiddie show that went horribly wrong.

While Franco goes on winter break from Columbia, and wraps up his GeneralHospital stint, the show only has a two week winter break before four new shows in January. Surprisingly, Charles Barkley - who last hosted 18 years ago - will be the first SNL host of 2010 on January 9, with music from Alicia Keys.

Sources

NBC.com- "Saturday Night Live - All Videos - Newest"