How ‘SNL’ Navigates the Late-Night Landscape in Trump’s Second Term Return

Fans of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) know the show isn’t shy about political comedy. Over the years, they’ve poked fun at countless leaders, including Barack Obama and Donald Trump, even when Trump called SNL “unwatchable.”

But the late-night comedy scene is a bit different now. Recently, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” faced a suspension after Jimmy Kimmel made a joke about a political figure’s reaction to a tragic event. The Federal Communications Commission Chairman, Brendan Carr, criticized Kimmel during an interview, leading to this suspension. Interestingly, Carr was appointed by Trump, who has openly criticized late-night hosts online.

In September, Nexstar, an ABC affiliate, announced it would pause airing Kimmel’s show indefinitely. While some in the administration supported this decision, others viewed it as a threat to free speech. Many celebrities and politicians expressed concern over the implications for late-night comedy, and some viewers even canceled their Disney+ subscriptions in protest.

This ripple effect isn’t just hitting comedians. Business experts have noted that many CEOs are becoming more cautious about public speaking, fearing backlash from the current administration. They’re even careful about what they type in emails and social media.

Even though the suspension was lifted, SNL is under scrutiny. As it prepares for its next episode, there’s curiosity surrounding whether it will address recent events, including the fallout from the Kimmel situation and other hot topics from Trump’s administration.

Adding more spice to the mix, the upcoming SNL episode will feature Bad Bunny as a host. The Puerto Rican artist, who is set to perform at the Super Bowl Halftime Show, is already stirring up controversy. Conservative voices have expressed discontent, claiming his involvement sends a negative message to Trump supporters. Bad Bunny, in the past, has been vocal about his concerns regarding Trump’s immigration policies, mentioning that these views influenced his decision to perform primarily in Puerto Rico.

As the landscape of late-night comedy evolves, viewers wonder how SNL will navigate these challenges and whether audiences will continue to embrace political humor in uncertain times.

For more details on the impact of political comedy, you can check out the Pew Research study on trends in late-night television.

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