SNL101

S50 E13: Shane Gillis

We discuss how to satirize stereotypes in the Stand Up Monologue and Mid-Day News 2, the difficulty in satirizing Trump in the Cold Open, the trolley problem in Jane Wickline Gives Dating Advice, and the absurdity of direct to consumer drug ads in CouplaBeers.
SNL50: The Anniversary Special

We talk about the show’s role in establishing comedy across the 20th and 21st centuries from Word Association to Black Jeopardy, its complicated relationship with representing Blackness and Black humor exemplified in the In Memoriam montage, and how this epic oeuvre can be used to foster conversations in the classroom.
S50 E12: Timothée Chalamet

Fan favorites like SmokeCheddaThaAssGetta and Tiny Horse were absent In Chalamet’s third time hosting. We discuss Johnson’s ability to impersonate Trump’s haughty cruelty in Founding Fathers Cold Open, the role of AI in interpersonal relationships in AI Software, and the power of intra Black conversations in Giselle, A Concerned Businesswoman.
S50 E11: Dave Chappelle

We discuss Chappelle’s progressively classic Stand-Up Monologue and political aesthetics, journalism’s struggle in the current communication environment with MSNBC social Coverage Cold Open, and the power of ambiguity and backstory in Evacuation Alert. We are joined in the virtual studio by friend of the pod, Chuck Hayward for an exciting conversation about Chappelle’s trajectory.
S50 E10: Martin Short

We discuss the complexity of homelessness and the rhetoric of anti-woke publics in An Act of Kindness, the intractable intersection of gender and comedy in Parking Lot Altercation, and the winner of this year’s Joke Swap. Emmy nominated Chuck Hayward also joins to share his thoughts on demographic trends in the Five-Timers Club Cold Open.
S50 E09: Chris Rock

Chris Rock anchors a largely forgettable episode, interlaced with a few showstopping bangers. We talk about impactful lines from Rock’s Opening Monologue, fan fictionalizing the 2022 Oscars Slap in Simpsons Christmas Gift, as well as racial memory and application with Grandpa’s Magic Car and Mall Santas.
S50 E08: Paul Mescal

We discuss spontaneity, creativity, and social comparison in Italian Restaurant Commercial, representations of masculinity in Please Don’t Destroy: Paul Mescal is Daddy, and the inconsistent appeal of multi and cross genre content in Gladiator II: The Musical and Shaboozy’s A Bar Song (Tipsy).
S50 E07: Charli XCX

We talk about prison abolitionism in Here I Go and the intersection of entertainment, journalism, and social media in Banger Boys, as well as a selection of #chejokes in Weekend Update that hit on national identity, gender, race, and class.
S50 E06: Bill Burr

We talk about the complicated nature of satire and power in SNL for Trump Cold Open, and the complicated nature of meaning and commercial representation in Calling Dad, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Sex Rock CD. We also take time to appreciate Michael Che’s frustration with the election on Weekend Update.
S50 E05: John Mulaney

In our post-election analysis, we consider Kamala Harris’ appearance in the Pre-Election Cold Open, the role of memory in democratic participation with What’s That Name: Election Edition, and what it means to know New York with Port Authority Duane Reade.