The Huge Upside to ‘SNL’s Extreme Bias

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We didn’t expect “Saturday Night Live” to actually speak truth to power, did we?

The debut episode of the NBC show that aired post the devastating California wildfires didn’t deliver any blows towards those responsible for making the fires more severe.

Much, much worse.

We can name them. LA Mayor Karen Bass. Governor Gavin Newsom. See? Not so hard.

Clearly highlight their obvious shortcomings, such as empty water reserves, prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) above skill, or reducing firefighting funds in favor of allocating resources to initiatives like the Gay Men’s Chorus.

(Nothing wrong with such a program, but when you’re pinching pennies you have to make cuts)

Remember how “SNL” torched Sen. Ted Cruz for fleeing his state during a Texas deep freeze?

However, there was silence, as if crickets were chirping, when Bass was absent in Ghana during the most devastating disaster that her city had ever experienced. The program failed to satirize Bass’ well-known “URL” incident, a blunder reminiscent of President Biden, which would have been perfect for political humor.

Instead, “SNL” roasted President-Elect Donald Trump. Again.

1. Anticipated yet dismal, disappointing, and aggravating. For fans who grew up with “SNL’s” golden era, this is another indication that the show has lost its significance.

2. Predictable, unfortunate, and discouraging. For those who were raised on the heights of “SNL,” it represents yet another sign that the show no longer matters.

3. Foreseeable but regrettable, frustrating, and a symbol of the show’s declining relevance for those who grew up during its prime years.

4. Predictably unsatisfying, sadly disappointing, and frustratingly irrelevant to those who experienced “SNL” in its heyday.

5. Anticipated yet disheartening, frustrating, and a clear sign of the show’s waning influence for those accustomed to its best years.

There’s an upside here, though.

RELATED: HOWARD STERN TO ‘SNL’ – LEAVE KAMALA ALONE

Today, Saturday Night Live (SNL) doesn’t have as much influence on popular culture as it once did. People don’t frequently quote the skits or remember its humorous characters like they used to. Additionally, SNL hasn’t been producing actors of the caliber of Will Ferrell, Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, or Kristen Wiig at the same rate anymore.

That opens a massive lane for other voices to emerge. We’re already seeing it happen.

Comedians David Spade, known for his work on “SNL” from the past, and Theo Von, a renowned comic rebel, are joining forces for the upcoming comedy titled “Busboys.” This humor-filled story unfolds in a border town in Arizona where two characters believe that taking up jobs as waiters will solve all their problems. However, they soon discover, much to their dismay, that this is not the case.

That’s not all.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’m excited to share that in the near future (2025), I, along with my collaborator, will be writing and funding our own project – a testament to the evolving landscape of the film industry. This shift towards independent production suggests that the established Hollywood gatekeepers are no longer able to prevent the rise of the new generation of creators. The future is bright, and it’s clear that fresh voices and perspectives will be heard loud and clear!

Another example?

Tim Dillon’s independently produced podcast, named after himself, is surprisingly affordable compared to an average “Saturday Night Live” episode, yet it consistently attracts millions of listeners. Moreover, he’s certainly not the only one in this situation.

Institutions such as “SNL” and late-night TV shows are likely to diminish in size due to their tendency to ignore current events and cater mainly to a narrow, polarized audience. The late-night television scene is already shrinking, with “The Tonight Show” cancelling its Friday night broadcasts and “Late Night with Seth Meyers” discontinuing the show’s band performances.

Currently, Americans are finding intelligent, contemporary humor that resonates with their lives on “Gutfeld!” instead of locally. This trend is likely to continue.

The Fox News segment didn’t brush aside Mayor Bass’ mistakes; instead, it delivered sharp humor that critically addressed them, offering a welcome contrast to the typical Hollywood norm.

Will “SNL” and late-night shows focusing on partisan matters continue to pursue a dwindling progressive audience, or will they lose them with the return of Trump-style comedy 2.0? Following the election, progressive news networks like MSNBC and CNN have reported a rapid loss of viewers.

Some may come back in the weeks to come, but not all of them.

Many liberal viewers are starting to realize they’ve been provided misleading information regarding cultural and political issues, and as a result, they’re seeking alternative sources for news.

Something similar will happen on the comedy front.

The reason behind the popularity of Joe Rogan, who is known for his conspiratorial comedy style, hosting one of the nation’s most prominent podcasts becomes clear when we consider it. Similarly, when Team Trump aimed to connect with hesitant voters, they turned to comedians with rebellious reputations, such as Andrew Schulz, Tim Dillon, and Von.

Viewers have come to expect that “SNL” won’t always be honest with them. The show’s clear bias is evident in each skit. The recent cold open on MSNBC seemed out of place, a weak effort to satirize people who share similar views, pulling every punch it could find.

Help is on the way. And, by ignoring reality, “SNL” is holding the door open for its replacement.

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2025-01-21 18:03