Tom Hank’s opening during the SNL50 special was a sharp and witty commentary on how certain SNL sketches from the past have not aged well, particularly the cultural sensitivity. The iconic late-night show, which has become a staple of American television since 1975, used its milestone to not only honor its comedic legacy but also to reflect on some of its more controversial moments.
Hank’s deadpan delivery set the tone for a segment that acknowledged the iconic legacy of SNL while also confronting its past missteps with humor. The segment that caught everyone off guard, SNL took the opportunity to own up to its past mistakes, confronting the elements of its history that have not aged well. The way Hanks introduced the tribute segment was a masterstroke of humor, setting up expectations only to hit audiences with a twist.
During SNL50, Tom Hanks playfully jabs viewers to reflect on past missteps of the show
Saturday Night Live‘s 50th anniversary special, SNL50, was a landmark moment that combined celebration and a bit of self-reflection. Tom Hanks, who has long been associated with the show, opened the segment with what seemed to be an “In Memoriam” tribute. He began by acknowledging those SNL family members who had been lost over the years, setting the tone for a somber reflection.
As we celebrate the achievement of 50 years, we must also take a moment to honor those who we’ve lost. Countless members of the SNL family were taken from us too soon.
However, the twist came quickly. Instead of honoring cast members or producers who had passed, Hanks pivoted to a more unconventional tribute: SNL characters and sketches that had “aged horribly.” Hanks continued,
I’m talking, of course, about SNL characters and sketches that have aged horribly. But even though these characters, accents, and… let’s just call them ‘ethnic’ wigs were unquestionably in poor taste, you all laughed at them. So if anyone should be canceled, shouldn’t it be you, the audience? Something to think about. Anyway, we now present to you this in Memorium.
This lighthearted yet biting commentary set the stage for a video montage that ran through various controversial sketches. Titles like “Ethnic Stereotypes.” “Sexual Harassment,” “Body Shaming,” “Gay Panic,” and “Problematic Guests” flashed on the screen, alongside clips that highlighted SNL‘s less-than-stellar moments. Among the problematic guests featured were O.J. Simpson, Robert Blake, R. Kelly, and Diddy, who had all appeared on the show despite their controversial personal lives.
The SNL50 special wasn’t just about celebrating the laughs and sketches that made the show famous. It was an acknowledgment of its missteps, an invitation to the audience to reflect on how comedy, culture, and societal norms evolve over time. The show’s willingness to address its own problematic past—through humor and a bit of self-deprecation—was a refreshing moment of growth.
Tom Hanks also appeared in the “Black Jeopardy” sketch, as a “MAGA” supporter
Saturday Night Live celebrated its 50th anniversary on Sunday, with loads of celebrities, classic sketches, and memorable musical performances. However, one sketch in particular stirred up controversy about the show’s portrayal of Trump supporters, with some viewers accusing SNL of crossing a line in its political commentary.
In a callback to the popular “Black Jeopardy” sketch, longtime cast member Kenan Thompson reprised his role as the host, with Tom Hanks playing a “MAGA” voter who appeared as a contestant. The sketch quickly gained attention when Thompson, sketching a Black actor, attempted to shake hands with Hanks’ character, only for the white, Republican character to hesitate and avoid the handshake.
Wearing the Make America Great Again cap, Hanks’ character showed discomfort with the gesture, presumably because of his color and his overt support for former President Donald Trump. It definitely didn’t fit well with Trump supporters.
As SNL looks ahead to the next 50 years, the special sent a clear message: while comedy will always push boundaries, it’s crucial to evolve and take accountability for the moments that don’t age well. For a show that has shaped American comedy and popular culture, its willingness to address its own problematic past through humor and a bit of self-deprecation was a refreshing moment of growth.
Saturday Night Live is available to stream on Peacock.
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