SNL Is Reinventing Its Donald Trump for Season 50

SNL Is Reinventing Its Donald Trump for Season 50

As a long-time enthusiast of comedy and satire, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia as Saturday Night Live (SNL) gears up for its 50th season. Just like my favorite pair of worn-in blue jeans that still fit perfectly after all these years, SNL has managed to remain relevant and entertaining through the test of time.


Saturday Night Live (SNL) is gearing up for its 50th season this year, aiming to inject fresh energy into its long-running comedy series by implementing some significant alterations. In a manner similar to individuals experiencing a midlife crisis, SNL will undergo a major transformation in its approach to humor regarding one specific former president who is currently under legal scrutiny. The beloved Weekend Update sketch creators have hinted that the 50th anniversary of SNL will mark the beginning of a new phase featuring more Donald Trump impressions and jokes.

In an open and revealing conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, the Saturday Night Live (SNL) pair Michael Che and Colin Jost have hinted at exciting changes for the upcoming season, which kicks off at the end of September as they mark SNL’s 50-year milestone. For this special occasion, Che and Jost donned candidate outfits in the THR photoshoot, with Che portraying Donald Trump and Jost representing Kamala Harris. With Alec Baldwin, James Austin Johnson, Shane Gillis, and other notable guest stars having previously played Trump on SNL over the years, the cover suggests significant alterations to his representation for the 50th anniversary. For Che, as Trump’s public persona has evolved, so too should their interpretation of the former president who was convicted: in other words, they aim to update their portrayal to reflect Trump’s current image.

“Trump’s character has changed, and James, who I think is very intelligent, portrayed Trump as a less dominant version. This worked because it felt authentic for the moment. However, we need to reimagine this character again since you saw the debate. The beauty of show business is that you can’t present the same show twice. Therefore, all characters should be reevaluated. If the revised character makes sense and still feels relevant, then you’re on the right track. But if it seems like you’re trying to appeal to the audience by sharing similar values, comedy might not be your best fit.

SNL Is Going Big for Season 50

SNL Is Reinventing Its Donald Trump for Season 50SNL Is Reinventing Its Donald Trump for Season 50SNL Is Reinventing Its Donald Trump for Season 50SNL Is Reinventing Its Donald Trump for Season 50

For the upcoming 50th season of Saturday Night Live, they’re taking significant steps to ensure this will be one of their grandest seasons yet. They’ve assembled an impressive roster of celebrity and musical guests, including Jean Smart, Ariana Grande, Coldplay, John Mulaney, Chappell Roan, among others. Additionally, new cast members Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline are joining the comedy team. Notably, Chloe Troast is being replaced after only one season. As creator Lorne Michaels had hinted at retiring following the 50th season, it appears that SNL is determined to make this potentially his final season exceptional.

In connected updates, Michael Che and Colin Jost will be hosting a live comedy show for Peacock titled “New York After Dark“. By doing so, Peacock is leveraging the duo’s widespread appeal while allowing them to explore new creative territories apart from their work on SNL. As nothing remains constant forever, and with Lorne Michaels potentially retiring, these comedians are making sure fans can continue enjoying them, whether or not they remain part of the long-running comedy show. For the moment, viewers can catch Che and Jost on both SNL and Peacock’s original programming.

The 50th season of
Saturday Night Live
premieres September 28.

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2024-09-20 22:31