UPDATE: The season 51 premiere of Saturday Night Live (SNL) has sparked immediate reactions following a provocative cold open featuring a portrayal of Donald Trump. In a bold move, Trump threatened the show with potential action from the FCC, raising alarms about the future of free speech in late-night television.
The episode aired on October 14, 2023, just weeks after the controversial temporary suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! by ABC, a decision reportedly influenced by threats from Brendan Carr, the Trump-appointed FCC chairman. As tensions mount, concerns regarding Trump’s interference in comedy programs have intensified.
In the cold open, James Austin Johnson’s impersonation of Trump declared, “SNL better be on their best behavior. Otherwise, they’ll have to answer to my attack dog at the FCC, Brandon Carr.” Mikey Day, portraying Carr, added to the eerie atmosphere by dancing to the hit song “Somebody’s Watching Me.”
The scene escalated when Carr corrected Trump, stating his name was Brendan, not Brandon. Trump’s dismissive response—“It’s crazy you think I care”—has resonated with audiences, underpinning the show’s satirical critique of current politics.
Trump also made a pointed remark regarding SNL’s only Latino cast member, Marcello Hernández, saying, “You fellas are gonna keep an eye on Marcelo for me, right?” The camera’s nodding response intensified the unsettling message, with Trump concluding, “And remember: Daddy’s watching!”
The timing of this episode is significant, coming on the heels of major shake-ups in the late-night landscape. Following SNL’s season 50 finale, Stephen Colbert announced the cancellation of The Late Show, and Kimmel’s show faced a brief suspension, creating a climate of fear regarding FCC repercussions for critical commentary on the Trump administration.
SNL’s latest cold open serves as a defiant response to those fears, with Trump joking about his summer activities and referencing rumors about his health: “Well, I had a great summer. Took a little vacation time for golf and travel and stroke—Kidding,” he quipped, “Or not. Either way, you’ll never know.”
As late-night shows grapple with increasing scrutiny, SNL’s bold satire raises questions about the future of comedic expression in an environment fraught with political tension. Viewers are left wondering how such pressures will shape the content of late-night television moving forward.
As the situation develops, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if SNL continues its fearless approach or modifies its content in response to Trump’s threats. The implications of these actions extend beyond comedy, touching on vital issues of free speech and artistic expression in America today.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
