Tom Hanks’ ‘SNL 50’ sketch explained.
Tom Hanks has ignited a firestorm after reprising his “Black Jeopardy” character, Doug, during “Saturday Night Live’s” 50th anniversary special.
Origins of the “Black Jeopardy” sketch profiled.
Doug, a clueless Trump supporter in a MAGA hat, first appeared in 2016, highlighting both contrasts and unexpected parallels between Trump voters and Black culture.
The “Black Jeopardy” sketch first aired in 2016, during a heated election season.
Hanks’ character, Doug, a white Trump supporter, found unexpected common ground with Black contestants, leading to both comedic and thought-provoking moments.
The sketch was praised for its nuanced take on cultural divides and shared experiences.
However, Hanks’ recent portrayal didn’t sit well with a segment of the audience.
SNL’s 50th anniversary special highlighted.
SNL’s 50th anniversary special didn’t shy away from political jabs.
Steve Martin’s opening monologue referenced Trump’s renaming of the Gulf of Mexico.
In January 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.”
Martin quipped, “I was actually vacationing on a friend’s boat down in the Gulf of Steve Martin.”
Later, Martin Short joined Martin on stage, leading to a mock call to ICE due to Short’s Canadian roots.
The evening also featured a parody of ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ from Les Misérables, with a nod to Trump leaving Manhattan: “I dreamed a dream that King Kong died, then I remembered he’s in Florida.”
Lorne Michaels, SNL’s creator, has maintained that the show targets whoever is in power.
Michaels stated, “Whoever is in power is probably awful.”
Tom Hank’s SNL sketch detailed.
In the latest sketch, Doug refuses to shake hands with host Darnell Hayes, played by Kenan Thompson.
The sketch featured Kenan Thompson as host Darnell Hayes, with contestants portrayed by Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, and Eddie Murphy.
A notable moment included Eddie Murphy impersonating Tracy Morgan, adding a humorous twist.
Chris Rock made a surprise appearance, briefly taking over hosting duties.
In recent years, political and social landscapes have evolved.
Trump’s 2024 election victory, securing the popular vote, signaled shifting dynamics in voter demographics.
Critics argue that SNL’s portrayal of Trump supporters hasn’t kept pace with these changes.
This gesture sparked immediate backlash online, with critics accusing Hanks and SNL of perpetuating outdated stereotypes.
Reactions to Tom Hank’s SNL sketch confirmed.
Former SNL cast member Victoria Jackson didn’t mince words, labeling the sketch “stupid” and questioning, “Did anyone make fun of the Kamala supporters?”
Right-wing influencer Dominick McGee took direct aim at Hanks, stating, “Tom Hanks was just disrespecting every Republican on SNL as he was dressed up as a Trump supporter with a MAGA hat.”
One irate viewer tweeted, “So not funny and Tom Hanks insulted me and 77 million other viewers.”
Another user added, “This trope of portraying the majority of the country as ‘racist’ is so annoying, old, and divisive.”
Beyond the immediate backlash, some viewers highlighted SNL’s declining viewership.
A pro-Trump account on X (formerly Twitter) posted, “Not surprising no one watches SNL or NBC anymore.”
Despite the criticism, many found humor in the sketch, with some users reveling in the outrage it sparked among MAGA supporters.
The SNL debate continues.
As SNL continues to navigate the complex political landscape, the debate persists: is the show reflecting cultural sentiments or fueling division?
Hanks’ return as Doug has undoubtedly reignited discussions about comedy, politics, and representation in modern media.
Whether this controversy will impact SNL’s approach remains to be seen.
