“Saturday Night Live” is expected to adopt a different approach as it prepares for a potential second term for Donald Trump in its upcoming episode after his election win.
The renowned comedian and actor Bill Burr will return as the host for the second time, while Mk.gee is scheduled to perform as the musical guest.
However, the most attention will center around the cold open segment of the NBC sketch comedy show, providing insight into what four additional years of Trump might entail for the typically liberal-oriented program. This is particularly interesting in light of the continued success of cast member James Austin Johnson, whose impersonation of Trump has become increasingly iconic.
The show’s 50th season has experienced a surge in ratings, with the opening segments focusing prominently on Vice President Kamala Harris, portrayed by returning cast member Maya Rudolph. This culminated last week with a special appearance by Harris herself, creating an atmosphere charged with pre-election enthusiasm.
This Saturday night may present a different kind of live experience.
Following Trump’s first victory back in 2016, Kate McKinnon, portraying Hillary Clinton, delivered a poignant performance by singing an altered version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” while seated at a piano. Her rendition was notably somber, with minimal changes to the song’s familiar verses.
McKinnon sang, “And even though it all went wrong, I’ll stand before the lord of song with nothing on my tongue but ‘Hallelujah,’” which turned into a national moment of solace for those who felt defeated.
After her performance, McKinnon, voice trembling, urged the audience, “I’m not giving up and neither should you,” before concluding with the iconic phrase, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday night!”
Dave Chappelle hosted that particular episode, which featured a sketch where he and fellow Black comedian Chris Rock watched election updates alongside bewildered white liberals reacting to the unforeseen results.
“This is the most shameful thing America has ever done,” remarked white cast member Beck Bennett, leading to laughter between Rock and Chappelle.
Chappelle also hosted SNL following the 2020 elections, but this time around, the hosting duties go to Burr, who is presently on a nationwide stand-up tour and will soon join Kieran Culkin and Bob Odenkirk on Broadway for a revival of “Glengarry Glen Ross.”
Burr’s political stance can generally be characterized as angrily centrist based on his comedic content and frequent appearances on podcasts and talk shows. However, aside from the political satire seen in the “Weekend Update” segment, the program usually shifts away from politics after the cold open.