Saturday Night Live’s Season 44 Triumph: From Political Satire to Pop Culture Parodies
As its 44th season drew to a close, Saturday Night Live continued to prove its enduring relevance and comedic prowess, delivering a series of memorable cold opens that masterfully blended sharp political satire with timely pop culture commentary. The penultimate episode, airing on May 11, showcased SNL’s signature political lampooning, taking aim at the unwavering loyalty of Republican leaders to President Donald Trump. This was quickly followed by an equally brilliant, if distinctly different, cold open from the week prior, which flawlessly parodied two of the biggest cultural phenomena of the moment: Avengers: Endgame and Game of Thrones. Together, these sketches cemented Season 44 as a testament to SNL’s versatility and its unique ability to capture the national zeitgeist, whether through biting political jabs or affectionate spoofs of beloved entertainment.
Unwavering Loyalty: SNL’s “Meet the Press” Skewers Republican Trump Apologists
The May 11 cold open transported viewers to a mock “Meet the Press” segment, a familiar and effective format for SNL’s political commentary. Expertly played by an impersonator, host Chuck Todd (real name Chuck Todd) set the stage for a discussion designed to expose the depth of Republican support for then-President Donald Trump. The premise was simple yet devastatingly effective: what extreme action would Trump have to take to finally lose the backing of his most ardent Republican allies? The answer, as the sketch hilariously demonstrated, was absolutely nothing. This satirical setup allowed SNL to delve into the perceived unconditional loyalty that characterized a significant segment of the Republican party during the Trump administration, highlighting its absurdities with razor-sharp wit.
Kate McKinnon’s Lindsey Graham: The Epitome of Undying Support
Central to this comedic inquiry was Kate McKinnon’s uproarious portrayal of Senator Lindsey Graham. McKinnon, a perennial SNL standout, captured Graham’s evolving public persona with uncanny accuracy, transforming him into a caricature of utter devotion. When asked by the mock Chuck Todd about hypothetical scenarios that might break his support, McKinnon’s Graham delivered some of the sketch’s most unforgettable lines. The notion of Trump backhand slapping him in the face was met with a shockingly enthusiastic “Harder, Daddy,” a line that immediately went viral for its audacious portrayal of political subservience. Even the suggestion that Trump might leave his then-wife Melania for adult film star Stormy Daniels failed to faze McKinnon’s Graham, who quipped, “That would actually make more sense, ’cause she’s a hot girl.” This particular joke not only highlighted Graham’s perceived fealty but also playfully jabbed at the chaotic and often unconventional nature of Trump’s personal life, implying that such a scandal would almost align with the public’s established perception.
Mitch McConnell and Susan Collins Join the Unconditional Chorus
The sketch’s brilliance was further amplified by the contributions of Mikey Day as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Aidy Bryant as Senator Susan Collins. Day’s McConnell, known for his deadpan delivery and strategic political maneuvering, began to ponder the ultimate hypothetical: “Let’s say hypothetically he got gay married.” This already outrageous scenario was quickly escalated by McKinnon’s Lindsey Graham, who enthusiastically chimed in, “To the leader of ISIS!” Not to be outdone in the realm of the absurd, Aidy Bryant’s Susan Collins, typically portrayed as a more moderate Republican attempting to maintain an air of thoughtful deliberation, added her own bizarre flourish: “And they had matching diapers fashioned out of the original Constitution.” These escalating layers of absurdity served to underscore the sketch’s core message: that no act, no matter how preposterous or morally compromising, seemed capable of eroding the foundational support of these Republican figures. The segment culminated with Day’s McConnell, after a moment of feigned deliberation, throwing his hands up in resignation and declaring, “Then maybe, oh, who are we kidding. We’ll always be ride or die bitches.” This blunt, anachronistic, and utterly hilarious line perfectly encapsulated the sketch’s cynical yet comedic view of political loyalty, suggesting that for these figures, their allegiance to Trump transcended all rational or ethical boundaries. The sketch resonated deeply with audiences, providing a cathartic laugh for those who felt baffled by the political landscape, and serving as a potent piece of social commentary on the nature of political power and unwavering support.
From Politics to Pop Culture: SNL’s “Family Feud” with Avengers and Game of Thrones
Just one week prior, SNL had captivated audiences with a cold open that demonstrated its equally sharp eye for pop culture. The May 4 episode, airing at the height of both Avengers: Endgame‘s box office dominance and the final season of Game of Thrones, brilliantly merged these two colossal franchises into a parody of the classic game show, “Family Feud.” This sketch was a masterful example of SNL’s ability to tap into the cultural zeitgeist, providing a comedic outlet for the intense fan anticipation and widespread conversations surrounding these two entertainment giants. It offered a refreshing break from the usual political fare, showcasing the cast’s incredible range and their knack for embodying iconic characters with comedic flair.
Kenan Thompson as the Steve Harvey-Inspired Host
Leading the charge in this epic crossover was Kenan Thompson, who, as the Steve Harvey-inspired host, brought his signature blend of exasperation and comedic timing to the role. Thompson perfectly mimicked Harvey’s distinctive mannerisms, from his dramatic pauses to his incredulous reactions, setting the ideal tone for the chaotic and hilarious contest between the Marvel Cinematic Universe heroes and the denizens of Westeros. His questions, designed to elicit comedic rather than sensible answers, centered around lighthearted topics like “What’s on your bucket list?” and “What’s something you only do once a year?” These seemingly innocuous questions provided ample opportunity for the characters to reveal their exaggerated traits and offer absurd responses.
The Marvel Team’s Hilarious Missteps
Representing the Marvel universe were characters like Thor, Okoye, Thanos, and Groot. While the original text notes that “Thor” won the round with the simple, yet ironically profound, answer of “Travel,” the other Marvel co-stars were depicted as less adept at the game, blowing their chances with delightfully off-kilter responses. For instance, a character like Okoye, known for her stoicism and warrior spirit, might have offered an answer related to defending Wakanda, only for it to be revealed as a low-scoring option. Thanos, the universe-balancing villain, might have given a grim, philosophical answer about cosmic equilibrium, completely missing the point of “Family Feud.” Groot, of course, would have consistently replied “I am Groot,” which, while endearing, would predictably fail to score points, much to the exasperation of the host. These comedic failures highlighted the stark contrast between their epic cinematic portrayals and their inability to navigate the mundane world of a game show, creating humor through incongruity.
Game of Thrones Takes Its Turn, Leading to a Climactic Moment
The “Game of Thrones” crew, featuring beloved characters such as Tormund Giantsbane, Melisandre, Bran the Broken, and Brienne of Tarth, also had their share of not-so-brilliant answers. Tormund, the wildling warrior, might have suggested something boisterous and uncouth, fitting his larger-than-life personality but failing on the survey. Melisandre, the Red Woman, would likely have offered a cryptic or fire-related prophecy, completely unsuited for a family game. Bran, the Three-Eyed Raven, with his omniscient but detached perspective, might have given an overly existential or abstract answer that baffled the audience and the host alike. These responses, while failing to secure a win, perfectly captured the essence of their complex characters within the comedic framework. It fell to Kate McKinnon’s Brienne of Tarth, ever the honorable and dedicated knight, to deliver their final answer, carrying the weight of the game on her shoulders.
Arya Stark’s Epic Entrance and the Power of “Not Today!”
However, the true highlight and a moment that sent waves of excitement through the audience came with the unexpected arrival of Arya Stark, played by Melissa Villasenor. Popping out of nowhere with a powerful scream of “NOT TODAY!”, Arya’s entrance was a perfect and poignant ode to one of the most iconic lines from the recently aired “Battle of Winterfell” episode of Game of Thrones. This dramatic interjection not only saved the day within the context of the “Family Feud” game but also served as a triumphant callback to a pivotal moment in the original series.
The significance of “Not Today!” runs deep within the lore of Game of Thrones. The line was first taught to a young Arya during her sword training with Syrio Forel, the First Sword of Braavos. Forel imparted a profound philosophy to her: “There is only one god, and his name is Death. And there is only one thing we say to Death: ‘not today’.” This lesson became a mantra for Arya, guiding her through countless perils and shaping her into the formidable assassin she became. Its most impactful reiteration occurred in the April 28 “Battle of Winterfell” episode, when Melisandre, the Red Woman, reminded a weary Arya of Forel’s words, asking her, “What do we say to the God of Death?” Arya’s defiant reply, “Not today,” immediately preceded her heroic confrontation with the Night King. In a stunning and pivotal moment, Arya successfully killed the Night King, shattering his army of the undead and saving Winterfell from eternal darkness. SNL’s decision to incorporate this exact moment, delivered with such energetic precision by Melissa Villasenor, not only brought a crowd-pleasing climax to the “Family Feud” parody but also acknowledged and celebrated the cultural impact and emotional resonance of Game of Thrones‘ most iconic scenes. It underscored SNL’s keen understanding of its audience’s shared cultural experiences, perfectly blending humor with genuine fan appreciation.
Welcome to Meet the Press.
He’s Chuck Todd. #SNL pic.twitter.com/AXJriTevmY— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) May 12, 2019
Season 44’s Enduring Legacy: A Blend of Wit and Cultural Resonance
As Season 44 wrapped up, these two cold opens stood out as prime examples of Saturday Night Live‘s continued mastery in delivering topical and hilarious content. Whether lampooning the intricacies of political loyalty with biting satire or celebrating the global phenomenon of pop culture through clever parodies, SNL proved its enduring ability to connect with audiences across a wide spectrum of interests. The show’s strength lies not just in its iconic impressions or laugh-out-loud moments, but in its capacity to reflect, and often deflate, the most significant events and trends of the moment. With a talented cast that consistently delivered stellar performances, Season 44 solidified SNL’s position as a cultural touchstone, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what new political absurdities and pop culture sensations its next season would tackle. The seamless shift from the political to the purely entertaining underscores SNL’s genius, ensuring its legacy as a vital voice in American comedy and commentary.