SNL Continues Unending Derision of Biden and Harris in Season 50 Finale
Renowned comedy show Saturday Night Live has just announced its lineup for the season finale. Returning to host for the second time is Abbott Elementary’s creator and star, Quinta Brunson. Providing the musical entertainment for the evening will be up-and-coming artist Benson Boone, scheduled to release his debut album, American Heart, next month.
On May 10, The White Lotus star Walton Goggins takes up hosting duties. The acclaimed musical group Arcade Fire promises to liven up the evening with their unique sound. Rounding off the season, SNL entrusts the finale to the capable hands of Hollywood A-lister, Scarlett Johansson, with chart-topping sensation Bad Bunny set to bring down the house with a grand musical finale.
The debut of season 50 of SNL saw some fresh faces added to the sketch comedy’s regular cast, with additional promotions bringing a fresh dynamism and energy to the long-running show. The curtain for the 50th season was raised following its premiere on September 28, 2024.
Kicking off the milestone season with her charm and wit was Emmy winner Jean Smart, who received the prestigious award for her role in Hacks. She shared the spotlight with notable band Jelly Roll, who also held the honor of performing during the poignant ‘In Memoriam’ segment at the same Emmy ceremony.
Quinta Brunson returns to repeat her host role on May 3, sharing the stage with rising music star Benson Boone. The following week, on May 10, distinguished actor Walton Goggins takes the baton, joined by Canadian indie rock band Arcade Fire. The ETA for the epic conclusion of the landmark season has Oscar-winner Scarlett Johansson playing the host one last time in a grand spectacle accompanied by the multi-talented Bad Bunny.
Joining the SNL family ahead of the 50th season are Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline. Ashley Padilla has been flexing her comedic muscles with The Groundlings since 2021 and has made notable appearances on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm and NBC’s Night Court.
Late-night television viewers were introduced to the comedic versatility of Emil Wakim in 2022 on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. A standout performer on the TikTok live show Stapleview, Jane Wickline has amassed a vast digital following, showcasing her comic timing to a wider audience.
Coupling the fresh additions with promotions of Marcello Hernandez, Michael Longfellow and Devon Walker to the mainline cast, SNL seems to have strengthened an already capable ensemble. These fresh and humorous perspectives aim to further elevate the comedy sketch show, which continues to reign supreme after five decades on air.
A few members, however, were notably missing from the returning cast list for Season 50, including Chloe Troast, Punkie Johnson, and Molly Kearney. Their absence likely to create a void in the SNL ensemble.
With the hysteria of the 2024 presidential election brewing, SNL stays true to its tradition of tongue-in-cheek political commentary. The show aims to thread the needle of politics and share its amusing take on the ongoing issues affecting America.
Interestingly, Vice President Kamala Harris is once again portrayed by Maya Rudolph. Considering Harris had to step up as the Democratic presidential candidate due to the unexpected withdrawal of Joe Biden, this should provide plenty of fodder for Rudolph’s impersonations, although the real-world implications are far less amusing.
In an equally ludicrous turn of events, the role of President Joe Biden has thus far been portrayed by Dana Carvey, while Andy Samberg embodies Kamala Harris’ other half, Dough Emhoff. The casting choices for these key political roles seem more to mock the individuals than creating an accurate portrayal, with Biden’s weakness becoming a recurring punchline on the show.
The political charade on SNL continues unchecked, seemingly aiming to lampoon the heavyweights of American politics. The likes of Biden, Harris, and Emhoff persist as figures of ridicule, their roles performed in a way that highlights their shortcomings rather than celebrates their achievements. While such biased parody could be entertaining for some, it fundamentally undermines the office they represent.
This marks the end of a whirlwind semester for SNL, full of laugh, satire, and unforgettable performances. As Season 50 culminates, one can only wonder about the surprises and shockers which the next season might unfold. One never knows, considering the ever-changing political landscape of America and the show’s penchant for absurd humor.