The latest episode of Saturday Night Live kicked off its Thanksgiving special with a sharp focus on current events, particularly targeting former President Donald Trump and the recent revelations tied to his late associate Jeffrey Epstein. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, portrayed by Ashley Padilla, attempts to sidestep reporters’ inquiries about the explosive Epstein emails unleashed by Congress, dismissing any notion of scandal surrounding Trump. Her comedic failure is undercut when Trump himself, played by James Austin Johnson, takes the podium and downplays his connection to Epstein. In an attempt at humor, he cites countless photos of them partying together while echoing the baffling claims of former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly that Epstein wasn’t a pedophile.
Host Glen Powell made his SNL debut, showcasing his affable charm as he shares anecdotes about his rise to fame, including a cringe-worthy home movie. Powell surprised viewers by bringing a random UPS driver, Mitch, to the stage, recreating a celebratory selfie from years past, adding a heartwarming touch to the night.
The sketches ranged from an AI-driven take on family nostalgia to a quirky musical number emphasizing the longing for former girlfriends’ fathers, punctuated by comedic antics from Kenan Thompson and Powell. A bachelor weekend sketch turned chaotic with a guest appearance by the comedian Sebastian Maniscalco, whose vibrant performance shifted the party dynamics. Meanwhile, a parody of Scandinavian drama, titled “Scent of a Marriage,” showcased an amusing twist with the characters loudly celebrating after each emotionally charged scene.
The inclusion of fan-favorite MacGruber sketches provided plenty of laughs, as Will Forte returned to navigate absurd bomb-defusing scenarios intertwined with the Epstein files. Further comedic moments emerged from Andrew Dismukes’ portrayal of flamboyant army recruits engaging in contemporary antics designed to resonate with younger audiences.
During the Weekend Update segment, Colin Jost and Michael Che tackled the week’s controversies head-on, particularly the implications of Epstein’s emails concerning Trump. As the episode progressed, the humor oscillated between absurdity and biting commentary, culminating in a parade of sketches lightheartedly poking fun at the absurd realities of modern relationships and culture, although not without some sketches missing the mark.
The episode ultimately offered an entertaining blend of political commentary, charming performances, and memorable sketches, highlighting the show’s ability to mix humor with current events while keeping the spirit of Thanksgiving alive. This week’s episode achieved a balance of humor and cultural relevance, showcasing Powell’s hosting flair and once again proving SNL’s prowess in satirizing the absurdities of American life.