Hey comedy fans! Saturday Night Live's 50th season is a big deal and there's a lot happening. They are celebrating fifty years with specials and events. But this week if you tuned in on February 1 2025 for a new episode you actually got a chance to see a rerun.
It was the episode hosted by comedian Bill Burr from November 9 2024. Musical guest was Mk.gee. This particular episode originally aired shortly after the US election. So it's interesting to look back at how SNL and Burr handled things at that time.
Bill Burr's Monologue: Post-Election Reality Check with Jokes
Burr's opening monologue from the November episode got people talking. Just like his monologue from 2020 it sparked various reactions. Some parts were really appreciated while others not so much. One joke aimed at feminists seemed out of place and didn't land well with everyone.
However Burr also delivered some strong "reality sarcasm." He called Donald Trump "the orange bigot" and "a lunatic." He even joked about the assassination attempt on Trump saying his jerky movements were the reason he survived. The monologue was definitely bold and set the tone for a post-election episode trying to find humor in a tense situation.
Sketches from the Episode: Firefighters and Baldness Tributes
The episode had a bunch of sketches. One sketch "Rorschach Test" featured Burr as a firefighter taking a psychological test. His character saw some very unusual things in the ink blots beyond butterflies and kissing people. Another sketch "Buffalo Wild Wings" was a filmed bit that contrasted typical NFL fans with a hardcore New England Patriots fan played by Burr. The sketch involved a funny fight between Burr and his son played by Mikey Day.
There was also a sketch called "Bald Guys." It seemed to resonate with many viewers online. It was like an anthem for bald men. Other sketches included "Sex Rock CD" which made fun of 80s hair metal band sexuality and "The Janitor" which was a take on "Good Will Hunting" but from the janitor's point of view. "Calling Dad" was about friends trying to connect with their fathers but it didn't quite hit the mark comedically or emotionally. "Trauma Support Group" with a talented cast also felt a bit disjointed.
Weekend Update: Finding Humor Even After Election Results
Weekend Update with Colin Jost and Michael Che was also part of the episode. Kenan Thompson reprised his character Willie who tries to find the positive side of everything even election results. Ego Nwodim appeared as "Woman Who Can't Find Something in Her Purse" offering advice to Jost on active listening. Jost and Che played off each other with Jost taking a news-focused satirical approach and Che being more blunt and drinking while commenting on the election outcome. This dynamic worked effectively.
Overall: A Relevant Post-Election SNL Episode
The reviewer of the original November episode felt that with Burr hosting and Mk.gee as musical guest SNL delivered what was needed after the election. The cold open also took a direct approach addressing the election results with a snarky tone. The episode wasn't afraid to tackle the political climate and Burr's style of comedy seemed fitting for that moment.
So even though it was a rerun on February 1st it was a chance to revisit a significant SNL episode from Season 50. And with the 50th-anniversary special approaching on February 16th it's a good time to appreciate how SNL continues to be relevant and spark conversations even after all these years.
Don't forget to catch new episodes of Saturday Night Live Saturdays on NBC and streaming next day on Peacock. And keep an eye out for more celebrations of SNL's 50th anniversary!