Tom Hanks' portrayal of a Trump supporter on "Saturday Night Live's" 50th anniversary prompted significant backlash.
According to the Daily Mail, The episode drew ire particularly for its depiction of MAGA supporters as racist and dimwitted.
During the celebration, Hanks reprised his role as Doug, a character donning a Make America Great Again hat. This appearance marked the return of a character first introduced in 2016. Doug competes in a satirical game show segment called "Black Jeopardy," aimed to explore cultural dynamics between Trump supporters and black communities.
The sketch saw Doug display overtly racist behaviors, avoiding a handshake with the host, Darnell Hayes, played by Kenan Thompson. This act, among others, fueled the controversy surrounding the episode. Critics, primarily from the MAGA community, described the portrayal as a harmful stereotype that failed to acknowledge Trump's diverse support base.
After the airing, reactions flooded social media, highlighting a divided audience. Some viewers pointed to the silence during the sketch as evidence of its failure to resonate or entertain. A former aide of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Link Lauren, and others vocalized their discontent, declaring the portrayal as a major misstep for SNL.
In addition, Link Lauren criticized the show sharply, stating, "This show wonders why their ratings are in the gutter. Trump won the popular vote. This tired trope that MAGA is racist is disgusting. SNL is an unfunny show for snobbish liberal elites." Similarly, this sentiment was echoed across various right-wing platforms, indicating a broader discontent with the show's direction.
Moreover, other critics like Dominick McGee expressed disappointment specifically in Tom Hanks, saying, "[Tom Hanks is] just disrespecting every Republican on SNL as he was dressed up as a Trump supporter with a MAGA hat." The criticism underscores a perception among some viewers that SNL has abandoned attempts at bipartisan humor, leaning heavily into political divisiveness.
The 50th anniversary special did not shy from its usual political digs. Specifically, various sketches lampooned multiple political figures, including former President Trump. Meanwhile, Colin Jost, during the Weekend Update, jested about the longevity of SNL in light of political criticisms, suggesting that if left up to the president, it would be SNL’s final season.
Amid the satirical jabs and comedic routines, the episode also featured returning SNL alumni and several A-list celebrities, thus contributing to the celebratory yet controversial atmosphere. Furthermore, this blend of star power and sharp political commentary has been a hallmark of SNL, often stirring debate among its viewership.
Cecily Strong, portraying her recurring character ‘Girl you never want to talk to at a party,’ addressed existential and political dread, humorously touching on the potential end of the world and personal anxieties about the future. Her performance, like many others, walked the line between comedy and commentary, which is a staple of the show’s approach to satire.
Ultimately, the evening served as a reflection of SNL’s enduring role in American comedy and political discourse. While it celebrated five decades of cultural influence, it also reignited discussions about the scope and impact of its political satire. As the conversation continues, it remains evident that SNL’s ability to provoke thought and laughter is intertwined with its capacity to attract scrutiny and spark dialogue.
