SNL101

In this season premiere episode hosted by Bad Bunny on October 4, 2025, we discuss the Pete Hegseth Cold Open and satirizing authoritarianism. Readings include a new essay from Luvell Anderson and a classic 1940 essay from Rudolf Arnheim reflecting on the effectiveness of Chaplin’s seminal satire The Great Dictator (1940). We also include a clip of Carol O’Connor on Dick Cavett in 1971 discussing the reception of Archie Bunker.

Listen on Libsyn: https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/38629295

Readings

Anderson, L. (2025, Oct 12). Why Authoritarians Like Trump Are So Afraid of Humor. https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/trump-afraid-humor

Arnheim, R. (1997). Anti-Fascist Satire. In Film essays and criticism. University of Wisconsin Press. https://uwpress.wisc.edu/Books/F/Film-Essays-and-Criticism

1970-71 Television Season 50th Anniversary: All in the Family (Carroll O’Connor 1971 Cavett Show) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5j4gjse35C8