Saturday Night Live 's 50th anniversary special gained massive viewership reaching nearly 15 million viewers. The 3.5-hour show featured numerous sketches and celebrity cameos. One sketch however triggered considerable backlash. Tom Hanks ' surprise appearance in a "Black Jeopardy" skit as MAGA supporter Doug caused Republican outrage on social media. Even outspoken Democrats like The View co-host Joy Behar expressed understanding for the discontent.
In the anniversary show's "Black Jeopardy" sketch Tom Hanks reprised his role as Doug a character he first played years ago. Sporting a red MAGA hat Doug appeared hesitant when Saturday Night Live's Kenan Thompson's "Black Jeopardy" host offered a handshake. This action quickly sparked negative reactions particularly among MAGA supporters.
According to a Variety report The View's Joy Behar discussed the controversy. Behar stated "The fact remains that they’re making anyone who voted for Trump look like a racist and that’s why they’re mad". She added "I personally would never do that because I don’t believe that any group is one thing."
What Joy Behar's Comments Mean For SNL and Political Comedy
SNL's Sketch Provoked a Strong Reaction and Behar Understands Why
Behar further elaborated on The View explaining her perspective. "A lot of these people in my opinion have been misled" she continued. "They thought that grocery prices would come down. They’re up. They thought inflation was coming down. It’s up. They thought that Medicaid was safe. It’s not. They thought Social Security was safe. It’s not. So it’s not only racism that caused Trump to be in office. We have to remember that. So of course they’re going to be insulted.” Behar's words suggest she recognizes the sketch's portrayal may have been perceived as overly broad and possibly unfair by some viewers.
However Behar's co-host on The View Alyssa Farah Griffin a former White House staffer in the Trump administration held a different opinion. Griffin believed "the outrage over it is a little overblown." Victoria Jackson a Saturday Night Live alum also voiced her upset. Jackson cited comments from political commentator Link Lauren who deemed the sketch "disgusting". Lauren posted on X that the sketch perpetuated a "tired trope that MAGA is racist" and criticized Saturday Night Live's declining ratings and perceived bias.
Our Take On Joy Behar's Understanding of MAGA Outrage
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Joy Behar's acknowledgement of MAGA supporters' anger is notable. While not excusing any potential offense Behar's comments highlight the delicate balance of political satire. Saturday Night Live and similar shows often use exaggeration and stereotypes for comedic effect. However such humor can easily be misinterpreted or feel targeted especially in today's polarized climate. The sketch intended or not seemingly touched a nerve. It sparked a debate about representation political humor and how different groups perceive comedic portrayals.
Source: Variety, apnews.com, rollingstone.com , nbc.com