Saturday Night Live Recap: Timothée Chalamet Shines in Dual Roles, Lin-Manuel Miranda Surprises as Hamilton!

Hello, Conehead Nation! It’s your favorite time of the week with SNL in Review. This week, we’re welcoming back the talented Timothée Chalamet for his third turn as host. You might remember his previous guest spots, which brought us hilarious sketches like “Tony Horse.”

Just before the show, Chalamet earned his second Oscar nomination for his portrayal of the legendary Bob Dylan. To share some insights, I’m joined by ex-SNL cast member Patrick Weathers, who once played Dylan on stage and had the chance to meet him. Weathers praised Chalamet’s performance, saying the clips from the film look fantastic and added that he’s excited to read a review from Dylan’s ex, a close friend of his.

Weathers is quite knowledgeable about performing Dylan. He mentioned that earlier this season, he thought James Austin Johnson’s take on Dylan was a bit off, feeling it didn’t capture Dylan’s spirit fully. Instead, he preferred Paul Mescal’s portrayal of Bono. It’ll be interesting to see Chalamet’s approach tonight—let’s hope it resonates with the fans!

The episode kicks off with a “Founding Fathers” cold open. Here, delegates reenact the signing of the Declaration of Independence, featuring guest star Lin-Manuel Miranda, who makes a surprise entrance as Alexander Hamilton. We also get a glimpse into James Austin Johnson’s impersonation of Donald Trump, providing humorous commentary on current events.

Chalamet begins his monologue with playful remarks about his hair and his experiences as a performer. He reflects on how many times he’s lost at award shows, comically preparing for an acceptance speech that ultimately gets hijacked by Kenan Thompson. The banter continues with some heartfelt nostalgia about Bob Dylan’s music.

In one sketch, Chalamet leads a workout class in a humorous twist where exercises seem less strenuous than they are, emphasizing the absurdity of fitness trends. We face even more laughs as he takes on a new barista training role at a café, showcasing his comedic chops with witty coffee puns.

Another standout sketch features Chalamet and Michael Longfellow in a darkly funny exploration of Oedipal themes. It’s a bold move, blending comedy with more serious undertones, and seems to resonate well with the audience. We also see a nod to podcast culture in a sketch where learning feels like an AI-generated conversation, highlighting the absurdity of modern communication.

Chalamet delivers two musical performances tonight. The first is “Outlaw Blues,” where he incorporates his spoken word style. The second, “Tomorrow Is a Long Time,” pays tribute to love lost, and even Adam Sandler introduces this heartfelt moment. Weathers comments on how Chalamet’s rendition makes Dylan’s songs feel personal and relatable.

During “Weekend Update,” the show addresses some serious topics with a comedic spin. From political jokes to heartfelt family moments, the segment maintains its blend of humor and poignancy. Ego Nwodim stands out as Giselle, bringing raw honesty to her character’s quirky concerns about appearance and authenticity.

However, not every sketch lands perfectly. A segment about talking dogs hits some low notes with predictable humor, but overall, the episode showcases the creativity and depth that SNL is known for.

As we wrap up, it seems this episode is a hit, with strong performances from Chalamet and the cast. The combination of humor, music, and poignant themes keeps us laughing and thinking. So, what did you think? Catch you next time!