Saturday Night Live Recap: Oscar Winner Mikey Madison’s Uninspiring Hosting Debut – What Went Wrong?

Saturday Night Live (SNL) made its return to Studio 8H, and the energy was hard to miss. This week, actress Mikey Madison, fresh off her Oscar win for Anora, took on hosting duties. Many viewers might know her from Better Things or her role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, but she’s now stepping firmly into the comedy spotlight.

The musical guest was country star Morgan Wallen, who is not without his controversies. SNL hasn’t aired many new episodes lately, yet it seems like the writers are ready to tackle some hot topics, especially given the recent political climate.

Cold Open

The show kicked off with a sketch featuring Madison, Ego Nwodim, and Sarah Sherman as high school girls caught in a Signal group chat. They were soon joined by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, played by Andrew Dismukes. The mix of national secrets and teenage slang added a humorous twist, turning a serious context into lighthearted banter.

Monologue

Madison’s monologue was playful. She shared personal stories, poking fun at her past as a “horse girl” and how her film roles have taken her to some intense scenarios, including getting set on fire. It felt relatable and laid-back, setting a warm tone for the show.

Notable Sketches

The “Acting Teacher 2” sketch saw Marcello Hernández returning with outrageous acting advice, which drew laughs for its exaggerated delivery. In “Jury Duty,” the comedic tension rose as a no-nonsense judge encountered a series of quirky prospective jurors, allowing the cast to showcase their comedic range through their various eccentricities.

“Spring Break” humorously compared a serious conversation about life with the chaotic backdrop of typical wild spring break antics, reminiscent of Jenna Ortega’s previous SNL stint.

Weekend Update

Colin Jost and Michael Che hit the mark during Weekend Update. They tackled current events, including Signalgate and a nod to OnlyFans. The segment mixed sharp commentary with fun sketches that kept the audience engaged. Devon Walker added to the fun with a TikTok-inspired morning routine, which proved relatable to those familiar with the social media craze.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this episode had its highs and lows. While there were some clever moments and standout sketches, certain jokes felt repetitive or lacked the punch SNL is known for. The combination of recent events and Madison’s fresh energy offered a glimpse of potential for future episodes this season.

With ongoing conversations about the state of comedy and its ability to reflect contemporary society, shows like SNL continue to adapt and evolve. As comedian Rich Hall noted, the Weekend Update segment has long been a place where humor can flourish, offering room for improvisation and experimentation. This week’s episode reminded fans that SNL remains a reflective space for both comedy and culture.

For a deeper look at SNL’s history and impact on current events, you can dive into their coverage of more pressing issues through established outlets like The New York Times or Variety.

Check out this related article: Watch ‘Saturday Night Live’ Hilariously Spoof ‘SignalGate’ as Pete Hegseth, JD Vance, and Marco Rubio Join a Teen Girl Texting Group!