Crashing the SNL Monologue
When Martin and Short co-hosted 'Saturday Night Live' in 2022, they dedicated most of their monologue to reading increasingly savage fake eulogies for each other. As Martin lamented who he could possibly work with after Short's mock demise, Gomez emerged
from backstage to a roaring crowd, asking, “What about me?” It was a perfect, self-aware gag that cemented their status as an inseparable unit, blending SNL's legacy with their own modern brand of comedy. Gomez then effortlessly stepped into the role of the cool-headed moderator between her two chaotic co-stars.
The Emmys Roast Session
Presenting at awards shows can be a stuffy affair, but not when this trio is at the podium. At the 2024 Emmys, they turned their segment into a masterclass of insult comedy. Short kicked things off by saying it was an honor to work with Martin, who “looks like he’s fallen and can’t get up.” Martin retorted that he was thrilled to work with Short, who resembles a “former women’s tennis champion.” Not to be outdone, Gomez landed the knockout blow, stating it was her honor “to work with two guys who are this far away from being Childless Cat Ladies.” Their ability to roast each other with genuine affection is a huge part of their charm.
Oliver's 38-Minute Dash
In a standout moment from 'Only Murders in the Building,' the trio questions if a killer could get from one building to another in just 12 minutes. Oliver (Short), ever the showman, insists on testing the theory himself. What follows is a disastrously hilarious montage of him battling birds, scolding children, and getting yelled at by John McEnroe. When a winded Oliver finally returns, he asks Mabel (Gomez) for his time. Her deadpan response, “It’s been 38 minutes,” is a perfect punchline, showcasing the dynamic of Oliver’s theatrical vanity clashing with Mabel’s grounded realism.
The 'Vogue' Rapid-Fire Questions
Sometimes the unscripted moments are the most telling. During a 'Vogue' interview, their real-life friendship was on full display. When asked for his first impression of Gomez, Martin admitted he initially worried she could be a “nightmare” pop princess but was immediately won over. Short recalled googling Gomez’s credits and realizing she was more of a professional than both of them combined. The conversation was filled with the trio’s signature blend of heartfelt compliments and gentle ribbing, proving their chemistry isn't just for the cameras. Gomez feels so comfortable with them that she's said her chair on set is always placed right between theirs.
The Parrot Impersonation Contest
A key piece of evidence in season two of 'Only Murders in the building' is the victim’s pet parrot, who supposedly knows the killer’s identity. To coax the information out, Mabel suggests they try impersonating the bird's late owner, Bunny. Charles (Martin) and Oliver, being the competitive hams they are, immediately turn it into an impromptu contest to see who can nail Bunny’s distinctively croaky voice. As they try to one-up each other with increasingly absurd impressions, a deeply annoyed Mabel looks on, perfectly embodying the audience’s exasperated amusement.
Taking Over 'The Tonight Show'
Whenever the three appear on a talk show, the host often becomes a third target for their comedic barbs. During a 2025 visit to 'The Tonight Show,' Martin Short immediately set the tone by comparing Jimmy Fallon’s smile to an “email from Trump, all caps.” Gomez, meanwhile, was content to sit back and watch her co-stars create chaos, at one point simply saying she was happy “just watching you two struggle.” The segment highlighted Gomez’s role as the wry, unflappable anchor to Martin and Short’s relentless, old-school showmanship.
