As we embarked on the milestone season 50 of Saturday Night Live, anticipation ran high. This landmark year brought with it a bevy of special guests, numerous returning cast members, and opportunities to reflect on the show’s enduring legacy. The initial lineup featured a who’s who of Hollywood—Scarlett Johansson, Jon Hamm, Maya Rudolph, Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, and others—promising an exciting viewing experience.
However, despite the star-studded roster, many of these appearances felt superficial, overshadowing the essence of true comedy. Although the allure of seeing these celebrities in recognizable wigs or revisiting beloved characters was initially charming, it quickly became apparent that this novelty wore thin.
The real disappointment lay in the content itself. Numerous sketches opted for star power over substance, leaning on nostalgia as a crutch rather than delivering robust, humorous material. The chance to honor what made Saturday Night Live great—witty writing, relevant topics, and audacious humor—was sadly missed, revealing a gradual yet noticeable drift from its original comedic roots.
The Reliance on Celebrity Cameos Lacks Depth
The overreliance on guest stars to generate buzz proved to be one of the season’s more glaring shortcomings. Names like Scarlett Johansson and Jon Hamm were touted prominently, especially in sketches like “The White Potus.” However, while the idea attempted to blend political satire with themes from HBO’s The White Lotus, it fell short, offering little more than visual spectacle and star appearances.
Although the performances themselves were undoubtedly polished, the comedic writing was lacking. A notorious instance involved Sarah Sherman’s portrayal of Aimee Lou Wood’s character, which sparked controversy and went viral for the wrong reasons, with Wood herself labeling it “mean and unfunny”due to its exaggerated portrayals.
This situation encapsulated a broader issue: the show’s current format often favors exaggerated impressions and celebrity status over sharp, insightful commentary. Even in the season finale, where Johansson returned as host alongside musical guest Bad Bunny, the humor felt stale. A sketch featuring James Austin Johnson’s Trump-like character failed to tackle its premise with urgency or innovation, reflecting a trend throughout the season of relying on delivery rather than content.
This dependence on notable names did not drive the quality of the comedy; rather, it highlighted a concerning pattern: without a robust foundation of humor or thematic purpose, even the most acclaimed cameos can end up feeling flat. The crux of the issue lies in the troubling realization that the reliance on star power detracted from the importance of solid comedic writing.
Nostalgia Overwhelms Creativity
Navigating the balance between honoring its storied past and producing timely, relevant satire has proven particularly challenging for Saturday Night Live. Season 50’s fervent focus on nostalgia saw the return of fan favorites like Maya Rudolph, Dana Carvey, Mike Myers, and Andy Samberg. While long-time viewers undoubtedly enjoyed these appearances, many were left unfulfilled, primarily due to the lack of substantial writing.
The anniversary special, rather than spotlighting the show’s current creative potential, felt more reminiscent of a compilation of celebrity cameos than an exploration of modern comedy. Many sketches dragged on unnecessarily, relying on the reinvention of old characters rather than exciting new narratives or sharp dialogue. The greater emphasis on name recognition over meaningful content is where the season lost its edge.
Ultimately, instead of building on its rich legacy, season 50 often overextended it, demonstrating how unchecked nostalgia can stifle current artistic expression. For those looking to catch up, the latest episodes of Saturday Night Live are currently available for streaming on Peacock.