The highly anticipated Saturday Night Live season 50, episode 15 aired on NBC on March 29, featuring Mikey Madison as the host. The episode included a comedic sketch inspired by Hilary Duff‘s 2007 performance on the Today Show, with fan-favorite Bowen Yang contributing to the humor.
Understanding the Sketch: Hilary Duff’s Influential 2007 Performance
In the memorable sketch, Madison portrayed Dr. Richards, an OBGYN, who encountered Yang’s character, Barry, a midwife, for the first time at a hospital setting. Dressed in her doctor’s coat, Dr. Richards introduced herself, explaining her unusual attire by stating that she worked as an “OBGYN for Late Night with Conan.”
“I’m Dr. Richards, by the way. I work as an OBGYN for Late Night with Conan. That’s why I’m dressed like this,”
This episode marked an exciting milestone for Madison, highlighting her hosting debut on the iconic sketch show. Joining her was Morgan Wallen, the acclaimed country music artist, making a return as the musical guest.
The Narrative of “Barry the Midwife”
The medical-themed sketch, titled Barry the Midwife, took place in a hospital room in 2025 where Dr. Richards’ patient, Mrs. Nealson, awaited the arrival of Barry for assistance during childbirth. As Barry made his entrance, the plot unfolded with a comedic twist as Mrs. Nealson introduced him to Dr. Richards.
“I’ve lost a lot of respect for you for not remembering. It makes me furious,”
Initially warm, Barry quickly confronted Dr. Richards about her failure to recall their first meeting, which occurred during Duff’s 2007 Today Show performance at the Toyota Summer Concert Series. This revelation set the stage for a humorous exchange.
“Just so you know. We met at the Hilary Duff performance at the Today show during the Toyota Summer Concert Series at 8 a.m. Need I say more? Cause I’ve said a lot,”
Comedic Revelations and Time Jumps
The sketch humorously progressed as Barry rapidly delivered Mrs. Nealson’s baby and then leaped three years ahead to 2028. In this scene, he re-entered Dr. Richards’ life with even longer hair, humorously enacting a grudge over her prior lapse in memory.
“It was so long ago that all I remember from that day was a grown man wearing prescription New Year’s glasses,”
As the characters navigated their playful tension, the audience was taken on a nostalgic journey, as events traced back to their initial interaction. This clever structure added depth to the sketch, connecting humor with the absurdity of their fictional backstory.
Concluding with Nostalgia and Humor
Eventually, the narrative took viewers forward to 2031, showcasing Dr. Richards preparing to assist in the delivery of Mrs. Nealson’s second child, where Barry reappeared, still holding onto a light-hearted grudge. The sketch culminated in a hilarious parody of Duff’s low-energy choreography from her original performance.
Episode 15 of Saturday Night Live not only showcased the comedic talents of Mikey Madison and Bowen Yang but also cleverly referenced pop culture events that continue to resonate with audiences today. New episodes of Saturday Night Live air every Saturday on NBC.
For more on the episode, check out the highlights here.