In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s stunning 2024 presidential victory, many looked to Saturday Night Live to deliver incisive, cathartic political comedy. However, the late night institution largely failed to rise to the occasion, delivering an uneven and at times uncomfortable post-election episode.
A Misdirected Cold Open
The show’s cold open initially appeared to strike a somber tone, with the cast gathered on stage to solemnly address Trump’s return to power. But this quickly proved to be a misdirect, as they collectively pledged their unwavering support for the president-elect.
While intended as biting satire, the bit fell flat, feeling more disingenuous than daring. After all, SNL has a history of platforming both Trump and controversial figures like Elon Musk, who made a dancing cameo as himself in the sketch.
Bill Burr’s Divisive Monologue
Host Bill Burr initially steered clear of post-election talk in his standup monologue, riffing on vaccines and the flu. But he eventually crashed headlong into the “orange elephant” in the room, laying the blame for Trump’s win squarely at the feet of women voters.
“You’re 0-2 against this guy…enough with the pantsuit, it’s not working…you gotta whore it up a little!”
Bill Burr on SNL
Burr’s barbed words drew a chilly reception from the live audience and sparked instant outcry online. While the comic eventually brought the crowd back around, his polarizing set the tone for an awkward night.
Sketches Misfire and Drag
The episode’s sketches largely failed to land, suffering from a lack of focus and uncertain approach to the political moment. Bits about macho firemen’s perverted Rorschach test responses and an angry Patriots fan at Buffalo Wild Wings drew some chuckles but overstayed their welcome.
Other satirical swings, like a clumsy Good Will Hunting parody and a drawn-out dinner party sketch built around an excruciatingly unfunny joke, bombed outright. Even the usually reliable “Weekend Update” segment felt off-balance, with anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che leaning on groaners and guests floundering to little response.
A late-in-the-show sketch about a bizarre community of proud bald people marked a rare zany high point. But on the whole, the cast and writers seemed unsure of how to wring laughs from a difficult political reality.
Can SNL Find Its Post-Trump Voice?
In the face of such a dark national mood, it’s perhaps unfair to expect SNL to immediately deliver pitch-perfect satire. But those hoping the show would come out swinging with righteous comic anger were left disappointed.
The series’ pre-election political material had pulled its punches, and this shaky outing suggests that SNL is still struggling to meet the moment. With Trump poised to reshape the American political landscape, the question remains:
Can Saturday Night Live rediscover its satirical edge and give voice to a shaken nation? Or will it retreat into milquetoast irrelevance as a defining – and dangerous – new era dawns? The coming weeks will tell the tale.
