Keeping a brave face during difficult times, isn’t it? Numerous individuals are seen grappling with tough circumstances after the former President Donald Trump triumphed over Vice President Kamala Harris in the recent elections, securing his position as the 47th President of the United States. It seems as though social media has morphed into a real-time platform for showcasing emotional upheaval, with individuals capturing their personal turmoils and presenting them for the entirety of the world to witness.
Without exception, the Democratic representation within Hollywood and media circles are too finding this week challenging. Naturally, the curiosity loomed — how would Saturday Night Live, the renowned comedy show, respond to Trump’s overwhelming win? The latest episode of SNL opened with the cast members labeling the election results as ‘frightful’ after Donald Trump allegedly made attempts to overrule the outcome of the previous election.
He had even asked for his political rivals to be avenged. The SNL cast proceeded to convey a message directly addressed to Trump, stating: ‘We have been by your side all along.’ Subsequently, they devoted four minutes to a sarcastic revelation of their devotion and support for Trump. They even introduced a fresh interpretation of the soon-to-be president as ‘hot, jacked Trump’, invoking both humor and surprise.
Certain moments did tickle the funny bone, such as when Colin Jost attempted to side-track Michael Che. However, mere awareness of the fact that the entire cast, consisting of known liberals, were grudgingly tolerating the entire act lent an awkward tinge to the episode. It seemed a comedy sketch highlighting the conundrum faced by Kamala Harris’s campaign following their loss could have been more entertaining.
They could have comically depicted how the campaign, instead of convincing male voters, focused on splurging on a six-figure set for Call Her Daddy, and poured $20 million into organizing concerts on the eve of the election. However, the show decided to embark on a different route. The sketch released was a perceived dig at the president accompanied by an uncomfortable delivery, more in sync with a solemn memorial service than a late-night comedy.
Nevertheless, the SNL team is not alone in working through a trying week. In the events preceding the election, SNL had expressed absolute support for Kamala Harris by featuring the Democratic candidate on the show. Notably, Harris had declined an invitation to Joe Rogan’s show, which boasts a wider viewer base than SNL, in favor of participating in the SNL skit.
It would have been an engaging twist of irony if SNL had jested at Harris for opting to feature on their less viewed platform. This could have been a journey into self-deprecating humor. However, the show, once again, demonstrated its resistance towards self-reflection and its inability to humorously critique both political sides impartially.
An impartial critique could have served to engage an audience that feels alienated in recent years due to their refusal to humorously criticize Democrats — other than making occasional cracks about Joe Biden’s age. This strategically could expand their viewer base rather than alienating a portion of it. Expectations for any genuinely sidesplitting content from their end are currently low.
We can only anticipate that their trend of sparing the Democrats from mockery, save a few wisecracks about Biden’s age, will continue. A shift in their strategy may have attracted a new audience segment that may have felt estranged in the past few years.
Despite the lack of constructive comedic critique on Democrats, expectations had never been about a fun-filled time, given their current performance. Thus, it was not surprising to witness that they met these expectations aptly.
As we brace ourselves for the changing political landscape, it is worth looking at how comedy platforms like SNL adapt their content. The challenge lies in delivering balanced humor, which appeals to a broader audience without alienating any political group. The hope is for these platforms to rise above political one-sidedness to a place where everyone can share in the joke, regardless of their political stance.
However, as we assess the recent events, the path ahead for SNL remains uncertain. Will they continue down their well-trodden path, or dare to venture into newer territories that offer a balanced critique and appeal to a broader audience? Only time can offer clarity.
Ultimately, the beauty of comedy lies in its ability to unify people of diverse backgrounds, opinions, and affiliations. As a platform that has entertained generations, it’s high time for SNL to reflect on its approach, adapt accordingly, and reclaim its place as a go-to space for light-hearted, inclusive humor.