Season 46 of SNL has brought some unique challenges that they have never had to face before in the history of the show. The COVID-19 pandemic brought the show to a screeching halt in March of 2020 which then led to three “At Home” episodes to end season 45. For season 46, SNL worked closely with the governor’s team to make sure proper protocol was in place and everything was done in a safe manner for the cast, crew, writers, and any audience members. I was surprised that they were able to have an audience, even if it wasn’t a full audience. I did also like that the audiences included first responders. By the time the season finale rolled around, SNL was able to have a full, masked audience when the COVID-19 vaccine became available. I was also surprised that they were able to get the full season in without getting shut down due to an outbreak. I was just really happy that we were able to watch a full season.
Similar to my last post, I decided to do a rundown of season 46 by selecting three of my favorite sketches or Weekend Update segments. I have to admit, it was sometimes hard to narrow it down to three because there were some episodes where I loved so many of the sketches but on the other hand there were episodes where I really struggled to find sketches that I liked because I didn’t like the episode that much. So, without further ado, here are some of my favorite sketches from season 46 in no particular order.
Season 46 Retrospective:
Chris Rock/Megan Thee Stallion
-First Debate Cold Open
-The Drew Barrymore Show
-Superspreader Event
Bill Burr/Jack White
-VP Fly Debate Cold Open
-Gospel Play Promo
-Weekend Update: Dr. Wenowdis on Trump’s Televised Health Exam
Issa Rae/Justin Bieber
-Dueling Town Halls Cold Open
-5 Hour Empathy
-Your Voice Chicago
Adele/H.E.R.
-Election Ad
-Weekend Update: The Village People on Donald Trump Using Their Music
-The Bachelor
John Mulaney/The Strokes
-New York Musical
-Strollin’
-Democracy PSA
Dave Chappelle/Foo Fighters
-Biden Victory Cold Open
-Super Mario 35th Anniversary
-Weekend Update: Rudy Giuliani on Trump’s Election Lawsuits
Jason Bateman/Morgan Wallen
-Michigan Hearings Cold Open
-Outdoor Cabaret
-The Christmas Conversation
Timothée Chalamet/Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band
-Coronavirus Holiday
-Holiday Baking Championship
-Dionne Warwick Talk Show
Kristen Wiig/Dua Lipa
-Christmas Morning
-Home For Christmas
-Kristen Wiig 2020 Holiday Monologue
John Krasinski/Machine Gun Kelly
-Twins
-Opening Credits Songs
-What Still Works Cold Open
Dan Levy/Phoebe Bridgers
-Weekend Update: TwinsTheNewTrend on Songs They’ve Never Heard Before
-Hot Damn
-Zillow
Regina King/Nathaniel Rateliff
-The Negotiator
-Gorilla Glue
-Pelotaunt
Regé-Jean Page/Bad Bunny
-Britney Spears Cold Open
-Let’s Say Grace
-The Grocery Store Rap
Nick Jonas
-Murder Show
-Dionne Warwick Talk Show
-Weekend Update: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene on Science
Maya Rudolph/Jack Harlowe
-The Maya-ing
-Hot Ones with Beyoncé
-Kamala Harris Unity Seder
Daniel Kaluuya/St. Vincent
-Weekend Update: Smokery Farm’s Easter Meats
-Britney Spears Talk Show Cold Open
-Vaccine Game Show
Carey Mulligan/Kid Cudi
-Weekend Update: The Iceberg on the Sinking of the Titanic
-Weird Little Flute ft. Kid Cudi
-Minnesota News Cold Open
Elon Musk/Miley Cyrus
-Mother’s Day Message Cold Open
-Weekend Update: Baby Yoda on Star Wars Day Celebrations
-Weekend Update: A Weary Mother in Her Darkest Hour on Disney’s Reopening
Keegan-Michael Key/Olivia Rodrigo
-The Muppet Show
-Prom Show
-The Last Dance: Extended Scene
Anya Taylor-Joy/Lil Nas X
-Season 46 Finale Cold Open
-Pride Month Song
-Weekend Update: Jeanine Pirro on the Mexico-United States Border
This season saw the addition of three new cast members. Andrew Dismukes, a writer on the show, joined the cast. Lauren Holt, an improviser from the Upright Citizens Brigade, and Punkie Johnson, a stand-up comedian, were also hired. Ego Nwodim was also promoted from a featured player to a repertory player. Something this season also featured were celebrity cameos. The cameos that were most featured were Alec Baldwin as Donald Trump, Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris, and Jim Carrey as Joe Biden (Martin Short did make an appearance as Doug Emhoff, Kamala Harris’ husband, but this was only a one-time appearance). In my opinion, as much as I love a good celebrity cameo, I think if a show has this big of a cast they should utilize these cast members more. However, this season saw a shift in this. After the first several episodes of the season, Jim Carrey announced he was stepping down from playing Joe Biden. Carrey had stated that his intentions were to only portray Joe Biden for six weeks. Alex Moffat was then tapped to portray Joe Biden.
Overall, for a season done during a pandemic, I thought it felt like any other season. It felt great to get back to some kind of normalcy, whatever that is these days. I’m interested to see how things go for season 47. Speaking of next season, the first few hosts and musical guests have been announced. Owen Wilson and Kacey Musgraves are the host and musical guest, respectively, kick off the season on October second. Kim Kardashian West and Halsey are the next host and musical guest for the show on October ninth. For the show on October sixteenth, Rami Malek and Young Thug will be the respective host and musical guest. To round off the first four shows, SNL alum and recent Emmy winner Jason Sudeikis will make his hosting debut with musical guest Brandie Carlile. As for cast changes, it sounds like everyone is coming back and Lorne had said in an interview at the Emmy Awards that there could be some new additions to the cast and that the news would be announced soon. As excited as I am for the possibility for new cast members, I worry about having another large cast. As of last season, the cast consisted of twenty cast members. One of the problems with larger casts is that not everyone is going to get screen time, specifically featured players and newer cast members. Going back to season 39, I remember when there were so many new cast members that were hired and several of them not getting screen time. I understand that sketches get cut for time and don’t make it past the red through but if you keep having the same cast members appear in sketches, it’s like what’s the point of having other cast members. I don’t know, that’s just my opinion. As I’m writing this post, no new cast members have been announced but that could change between now and the premiere. Also, a recent announcement was made that in addition to the show airing live on NBC, SNL will also be streaming live on NBC’s streaming service Peacock. I think this is a great move, especially for fans of the show who either don’t have cable for any reason or if they don’t have access to a TV.
This has been my take on season 46 of SNL. As always, thanks for reading, live tweeting with me, and bearing with me as I get back into a regular posting schedule. As stated in my previous post, I hope to get back to giving my full take on individual episodes. Be sure to connect with me and follow me on Twitter at @SNLBlogger for up to date SNL news and live tweeting every new episode. See you soon for the start of the new season!
Thanks for reading!
Lauren
