Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been captivating audiences for nearly five decades, intertwining comedy with cultural commentary, and its legacy only continues to grow as it marks its 50th season. Among the standout moments from SNL's illustrious history is the unforgettable 'Black Jeopardy!' sketch featuring Tom Hanks, which occurs during Season 42's episode.
Original air date: October 22, 2016. Notably, this sketch broke stereotypes and built bridges between cultures. Set up as a game show, Hanks played Doug, who stepped onto the stage wearing a 'Make America Great Again' hat. His character unexpectedly found common ground with contestants Keeley (Sasheer Zamata) and Shanice (Leslie Jones), showcasing the humor and complexity of racial identity during the divisive election season. Hanks' performance was so effective it became the embodiment of the show's intent to explore societal dynamics humorously and insightfully.
According to co-head writer Michael Che, the sketch aimed to redefine expectations: "Previously it was always white people not getting it. And then it was like, what if [Hanks] gets the answers right and shows we do come from the same things?" This sentiment captured the show's power to educate and entertain, allowing audiences to laugh at uncomfortable truths.
Along with the retrospective focus on iconic sketches, there's excitement brewing for Peacock's docuseries 'SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night,' prepared to air on January 16, 2025. This four-part series, produced by Morgan Neville, delves deep behind the scenes, featuring contributions from over 60 SNL alumni. Episodes promise to explore the show's writing process, audition footage, and cultural phenomena like the famed 'More Cowbell' sketch.
Reflecting on the changing atmosphere at the famed Studio 8H is former cast member David Spade. Spade, alongside fellow alum Dana Carvey, shared their astonishment at how the current cast interacts with Lorne Michaels, the creator and executive producer of SNL. On their podcast 'Fly on the Wall', Spade noted how the dynamic has evolved, recalling his own experiences where respect and camaraderie felt more distanced during their tenures. “Lorne was giving notes, and I’m like, ‘How about yes, sir?’” Spade humorously contrasted the current openness, with cast members like Sarah Sherman texting Michaels during shows about cut sketches.
Bowen Yang also spoke on this relationship shift, stating his initial apprehension around approaching Michaels. Yang recalled how fellow cast member Aidy Bryant encouraged him by presenting Lorne as approachable, allowing him to connect on more than just a professional level. The evolution from fear to friendship highlights the changing culture at SNL, reflecting broader shifts within the entertainment industry.
Simultaneously, the topic of host conduct and perceived consequences has resurfaced with Adrien Brody's commentary on his notorious 2003 hosting gig. During his first and only appearance, Brody sparked shockwaves when he donned dreadlocks and introduced Jamaican musical guest Sean Paul using stereotypical dialects. Upon reflecting on the experience, he expressed uncertainty about whether he was formally banned from SNL or if the lack of subsequent invitations stemmed from the fallout of his approach. "They were all literally agape from me pitching," Brody remarked on his audacious choices during the live broadcast, showcasing his belief he could push boundaries on such an established platform.
While not officially banned, his comment — “But also I have never been invited back” — has taunted the narrative around his hosting stint and the standards of behavior expected at SNL. With the show's extensive legacy, performers continue to grapple with the fine line between shock value and humorous creativity.
Diving back to 'Black Jeopardy!', Anderson Cooper once described the original 2014 sketch so well when he said it was "sneakily profane" and addressed it as subtly groundbreaking. Hanks' installment gathered praise not just for humor but for its commentary amid sociopolitical tensions. The recurrence of themes from identity to community continues to resonate, evidenced by over 83 million views of the sketch on YouTube.
Ahead of its 50th-anniversary celebration, scheduled for February 16, 2025, SNL remains as relevant as ever, testing the boundaries of comedy and societal dialogue. The combination of star-studded hosts, such as Hanks, reflective commentary from former cast members like Spade and Carvey, and the spotlight on memorable sketches like 'Black Jeopardy!' encapsulates the rich narrative and cultural significance of the show.
Through its duration, SNL has shown itself as not just another late-night highlight—it's a cultural institution crafting laughter from shared experiences, forming connections across diverse audiences. With retrospectives and continued innovation, SNL is set to make even more history as it ushers in another decade worth of sketches worth discussing for years to come.