For decades, “Saturday Night Live” has adeptly lampooned politicians, striving to unearth humor within a highly contentious arena.
Creator Lorne Michaels recently asserted that the forthcoming milestone 50th season will exhibit no departure from this tradition. He perceives the weeks leading up to the November election as an opportune moment to welcome back cherished former cast members to Studio 8H.
“I wish to commemorate this season by inviting individuals who have contributed to and cherish the show — not solely as hosts but as guests. The impending election provides a perfect platform for this, encompassing five or six episodes,” Michaels articulated in an interview published on Thursday.
Michaels has confirmed that “SNL” alumna Maya Rudolph will reprise her role as Vice President Kamala Harris. Additionally, he indicated that Steve Martin will also make an appearance this season, albeit not in the capacity of portraying Harris’s running mate Tim Walz, despite extensive online advocacy for such a portrayal.
Regarding the portrayal of former President Donald Trump, Michaels refrained from confirming whether the erstwhile “SNL” impersonator Alec Baldwin would return, yet he assured that current cast member James Austin Johnson, who has similarly embodied the former president, “will be present” in some capacity.
“Trump has evolved,” Michaels remarked. “We shall need to reimagine the impression anew because, as evidenced by the debate, show business mandates that one cannot re-present a stale rendition. Thus, every character necessitates reevaluation.”
“We possess the talent necessary to portray the candidates, and it promises to be an enjoyable endeavor,” he added.
“One cannot lecture the audience; alas, contemporary politics often oscillates toward lecturing. Our stance is akin to acknowledging that both sides can exhibit folly,” Michaels elucidated regarding “SNL’s” approach to political satire. “Comedy must reign supreme; we remain, above all, a comedy program.”
“SNL” is poised to commence its 50th season on September 28 on NBC, with “Hacks” star Jean Smart as the host and Jelly Roll gracing the stage as the musical guest.
Vocabulary List:
- Lampooned /læmˈpuːnd/ (verb): Publicly criticized or mocked in a humorous way.
- Contentious /kənˈtɛnʃəs/ (adjective): Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.
- Cherished /ˈtʃɛr.ɪʃt/ (adjective): Beloved or held dear; valued highly.
- Impersonator /ɪmˈpɜːrsəˌneɪtər/ (noun): A person who pretends to be someone else often for entertainment.
- Reimagine /ˌriːɪˈmædʒ.ɪn/ (verb): To imagine again or in a different way.
- Elucidated /ɪˈluː.sɪ.deɪtɪd/ (verb): Made something clear; explained.
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