Jimmy Fallon’s kickoff act at ‘SNL50: Homecoming Concert’ sparked a buzz, with one viewer remarking, “That was tough to watch.”

“Saturday Night Live” marks fifty years on the air, and to honor the occasion, a lineup of well-known personalities stepped onto the stage. However, one TV host’s dramatic performance sparked a wave of mixed opinions across social media.

Jimmy Fallon had the privilege of kicking off the 50th anniversary “Homecoming Concert” special for the iconic sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live.” However, his stint didn’t sit well with everyone, with one viewer saying, “this was a hard to watch.”

Despite the divided reactions, Fallon gave it his all as he took center stage to perform “Soul Man” by The Blues Brothers. Dressed in a black suit, white shirt, and slim black tie, he completed the classic look with dark sunglasses and a fedora-style hat, embodying the iconic duo’s signature style.

The stage behind him glowed with vibrant orange and yellow lights arranged in a geometric pattern, creating a lively, retro atmosphere reminiscent of a 1970s dance floor. Above the performers, “SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE” shone in bold, golden letters, adding a celebratory touch to the moment.

The energetic performance may have captured the essence of the classic hit, but it didn’t resonate with everyone. Some viewers shared their disappointment across social media.

@peacock And we're live! #SNL50 ♬ original sound – Peacock

One user commented, “Wow way to ruin a classic” along with a crying emoji. Another questioned the casting decision, “Dan Aykroyd and John’s brother Jim couldn’t make it? Why is Fallon up there?” Meanwhile, someone else summed up their disapproval in one word, “Terrible.” One individual added, “Worst part of this great concert.”

However, other people begged to differ, sharing their enthusiasm for Fallon’s lively performance. One person praised the act, calling it “Awesome.” Another chimed in with excitement, “This is incredible!!!” Meanwhile, someone else celebrated the comedian’s stage presence, “Great job. Jimmy’s so talented!”

The conversation around Fallon’s performances isn’t new. In November 2024, he garnered attention during his eleventh appearance at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, where he performed a track from his holiday album. While the performance added some festive flair to the event, it also sparked a wave of mixed opinions online.

As part of the festivities, Fallon appeared alongside “Today” host Al Roker to discuss his holiday project, which features collaborations with well-known artists like The Roots, Ariana Grande, and Justin Timberlake.

@jenasis1715 word is ..I won't say, but he's HYPE!!!! #fypage #FYP #jimmyfallon #macys #thanksgiving #parade #hype #sunglasses ♬ original sound – Jenasis

The comedian stood under a clear umbrella, sporting dark sunglasses, a black coat, and festive red, black, and green pants. Later, Fallon joined The Roots onstage with dancers in Santa Claus costumes and holiday attire, performing “Holiday Seasoning” while appearing to lip-sync.

Although the performance aimed to spread holiday cheer, not everyone was impressed. One X user questioned his outfit, “It’s raining at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Why is Jimmy Fallon wearing these sunglasses lol.” Another viewer expressed disappointment, “Jimmy Fallon ruined it.”

The critique didn’t stop there. Some online users even mentioned Roker while sharing their thoughts, with one person posting, “Can’t say who was worse Jimmy Fallon or Al Roker with their choice of attire in front of the whole world!? [sic]”

Fallon’s onstage antics were also a talking point. One person remarked, “Jimmy Fallon is so embarrassing,” while someone else agreed, “Such second hand embarrassment for Jimmy Fallon.”

@average_angel15 #jimmyfallon #macysdayparade #lipsync #fail #thanksgiving #lol ♬ original sound – average_angel15

Criticism extended to his singing as well, with several viewers calling out the apparent lip-syncing. One user, alongside a gif of LaVan Davis as Curtis Payne saying, “It was so bad,” asked, “Anyone else notice the HORRIBLE lip syncing [sic] done by Jimmy Fallon?? #ThanksgivingDayParade.”

Another joined the conversation, saying, “I was wondering the same thing. Jimmy Fallon was exceptionally cringe.” A dissatisfied viewer bluntly stated, “Jimmy Fallon is insufferable,” while another summed up their disappointment, “Jimmy Fallon was a disaster.”

Despite the negativity, some people appreciated Fallon’s performance. One fan shared their enthusiasm, “Jimmy Fallon looks cool in sunglasses! Good seeing him and The Roots perform in the rain at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024!”

Another person found humor in the comedian’s approach, saying, “Jimmy Fallon is doing the most at this parade but it’s hilarious too.” Others were surprised to discover Fallon’s musical talent. One Facebook user admitted, “No idea that Jimmy sang until today!” while another praised his efforts, “U slayed it with ur song!! Get well soon! [sic]”

The performance ultimately became a hot topic online, with opinions ranging from admiration for his bold, festive look to harsh critiques of his stage presence. For Fallon, it was another day of showmanship—polarizing as ever.