- Marcello Hernández, an SNL cast member and John Carroll University alum, will release his first Netflix special, American Boy, on Jan. 7.
- The Miami native started comedy in Cleveland, performing at dive bars, clubs and poetry slams while a student.
- Hernández’s SNL breakout came with the viral “Domingo” sketch; he also launched a scholarship at John Carroll and will mentor one student annually.
H2: Marcello Hernández lands a Netflix special
Marcello Hernández, a cast member on Saturday Night Live since 2022, announced his first Netflix comedy special, American Boy, will stream on Jan. 7. The 27-year-old shared the news on Instagram, thanking the Cleveland-area audiences who supported his early stand-up career.
H3: Ohio roots — John Carroll and early stand-up
Although born in Miami, Hernández has strong ties to Northeast Ohio. He played soccer and graduated from John Carroll University in University Heights in 2019. While a student he performed at campus shows, open mics across Cleveland and interned at Hilarities East 4th Street Theatre, gaining behind-the-scenes experience with working comedians.
H3: From dive bars to national TV
Hernández said he started doing comedy at 18 in Cleveland at dive bars, small clubs and poetry slam rooms. That formative period helped him develop material and stage presence that eventually led to national exposure on SNL.
Embedded Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DSAbh0oEZKV/?utmsource=igembed&utm_campaign=loading
H3: Breakout role on SNL — the “Domingo” sketch
On SNL, Hernández became widely noticed for the recurring “Domingo” sketches, which first aired in October 2024 with Ariana Grande. The vignette — a deliberately off-key bridesmaids’ performance about a secret night with Domingo — proved viral and was replayed and reimagined multiple times, including the show’s 50th anniversary episode featuring guest stars Pedro Pascal and Bad Bunny.
Watch a clip from the SNL sketch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6ymTaxN4
H3: Giving back — scholarship and mentorship
In May, Hernández launched a scholarship at John Carroll University for students interested in comedy, entertainment or content creation. He plans to mentor one senior each year, highlighting a commitment to support the next generation of performers from his alma mater.
H2: What to expect from American Boy
Netflix’s listing calls the special American Boy; Hernández’s social message framed the set as a decade-in-the-making reward for fans and mentors who supported his early shows. The special is expected to showcase his observational and character-driven comedy shaped by his journey from college open mics to SNL stages.
H2: When and where to watch
American Boy premieres on Netflix on Jan. 7. Fans can follow Hernández on Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes content as the release approaches.
H3: Quick perspective
Hernández’s path — college comedy nights, Cleveland’s small venues, an SNL break and now a Netflix special — illustrates a fast but hard-won rise. His work mentoring students at John Carroll suggests he’ll continue to shape comedy both onstage and off.
Image Referance: https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/entertainment/2025/12/12/marcello-hernanadez-snl-netflix-special-john-carroll-grad/87703637007/