As Saturday Night Live (SNL) embarks on its milestone 50th season, expectations have soared for a revival marked by nostalgic references, self-awareness, and contemporary relevance. The audience anticipated a celebration of the sharp wit and creative innovation that characterized the show in its heyday.
However, several sketches highlighted how far SNL has strayed from its peak. A noticeable reliance on star power and recycled concepts has often resulted in humor that falls flat. A prime example of this misstep is the sketch entitled “The White Potus.”
A Missed Opportunity in “The White Potus” Sketch
This sketch aimed to parody the acclaimed series The White Lotus while humorously critiquing the Trump family, featuring a star-studded cast that includes Scarlett Johansson and Jon Hamm. Yet, the execution felt more like a visual gimmick than an insightful comedic critique.
Even Aimee Lou Wood, a star from The White Lotus, criticized the piece, deeming it “mean and unfunny.” Many viewers echoed this sentiment, particularly in light of Sarah Sherman’s exaggerated portrayal, which involved comically oversized fake teeth. Where SNL once thrived on incisive humor, this skit appeared to deliver an awkward jab lacking genuine comedic depth.
The sketch showcased celebrity guests portraying members of the Trump family on a lavish vacation, but it ultimately failed to deliver a well-defined comedic perspective. The question remains: Was it merely mocking political extravagance, satirizing the source material, or merely aimless trend-chasing?
Political Satire: A Lack of Freshness
One of SNL’s longstanding highlights is its political satire, particularly during election cycles. However, the political sketches this season appear uninspired—not due to a lack of content, but because they lean too heavily on nostalgic impressions at the expense of fresh perspectives.
For instance, the cold open titled “Harris and Trump Rallies”from the season premiere in September 2024 featured Maya Rudolph as Vice President Kamala Harris, Dana Carvey as President Joe Biden, and James Austin Johnson as former President Donald Trump. While the lineup promised engaging content, the sketch ultimately failed to contribute anything substantial to the ongoing political discourse.
Rather than advancing the conversation, this sketch recycled old character traits: Harris obsessing over relatability, Biden displaying confusion, and Trump delivering disjointed commentary. The result was a nostalgic nod rather than a sharp satire.
The “VP Debate 2024 Cold Open”saw a fabricated vice-presidential debate featuring J.D. Vance (played by Bowen Yang) and Tim Walz (Jim Gaffigan), with Harris and Doug Emhoff (Andy Samberg) reacting from the sidelines. Despite its potential, this sketch similarly felt more like a checklist of characters than an insightful commentary, missing the mark once again.
If SNL aims to maintain its relevance in political satire, it must evolve beyond familiar impressions and clichéd narratives. While a dose of nostalgia is acceptable, it should not substitute for substance. This season has starkly illustrated just how thin the line between homage and stagnation can be.
For fans wishing to catch the latest episodes of Saturday Night Live, they are available for streaming on Peacock.