SNL Creator Lorne Michaels Talks About the Impact of Election Year on the Show
The popular comedy sketch show, “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), has been a staple of American television for decades. Known for its satirical take on current events and political figures, SNL has become a cultural phenomenon. Recently, the show’s creator, Lorne Michaels, spoke about the impact of an election year on the show.
In an interview with USA TODAY’s Ralphie Aversa at the 2024 Emmys, Michaels expressed his excitement for the upcoming election year. He stated, “The election year is always good for SNL. It gives us plenty of material to work with and allows us to satirize the political landscape in a unique way.”
Michaels’ enthusiasm is understandable, considering SNL’s history of memorable political sketches. Over the years, the show has parodied numerous politicians, including presidents and presidential candidates. From Alec Baldwin’s portrayal of Donald Trump to Tina Fey’s iconic impersonation of Sarah Palin, SNL has consistently pushed boundaries and provided biting commentary on the political climate.
The interview also touched on the recent episode of SNL, which featured actor Jacob Elordi as the host. Elordi, known for his roles in “Euphoria” and “Saltburn,” embraced his heartthrob reputation and humorously addressed it during the show. In a sketch with surprise guest Rachel McAdams, Elordi played a heightened version of himself, answering questions about his rise to fame.
Elordi’s charm and self-deprecating humor shone through as he recounted his experience of being approached by Selena Gomez to star in a music video. When asked about coping with rejection in the acting industry, Elordi hilariously admitted that he was unfamiliar with the concept. His lighthearted approach to fame and rejection endeared him to the audience.
McAdams, who made a cameo appearance on the show, also had her moment to shine. She expressed her annoyance at being mistaken for another actress, Natalie Portman, and asked Elordi for advice on dealing with such situations. Elordi’s response, though tongue-in-cheek, resonated with the audience as he suggested giving up on pursuing a film career.
The episode of SNL also featured a sketch parodying reality dating shows, with Elordi playing a contestant. The sketch humorously highlighted the absurdity of these shows and provided a comedic twist with Elordi’s character revealing personal details that would typically be considered deal-breakers.
Overall, the recent episode of SNL showcased the show’s ability to tackle various topics with humor and wit. With the upcoming election year, viewers can expect SNL to continue its tradition of political satire and provide a much-needed comedic relief during these challenging times.
As Lorne Michaels stated, “The election year is always good for SNL.” With its talented cast and writers, SNL remains a cultural touchstone and a platform for commentary on the ever-changing political landscape. As viewers, we can look forward to more memorable sketches and hilarious performances in the coming months.
