SNL101

In this episode, we discuss Ariana Grande’s third time hosting on December 20, 2025. She aced the assignment, seamlessly fitting in with the cast, vocal talent, and playful, theater-kid energy. Coupled with the Bowen Yang’s final appearance and Cher as musical guest, the episode was one of the best of the season. We discuss “Black Santa” and race, sentimentality, white guilt, and humor’s role in social critique, as well as the linguistic power of impressions. Readings include James Baldwin, linguistic research on paralanguage, and Jordan Peele’s Get Out.