Mikey Madison’s SNL Debut: A Recap of Sketches and Performances
The recent episode of “Saturday Night Live” featured Mikey Madison as the guest host, following her recent Academy Award win for her role in “Anora.” However, rather than providing Madison with the chance to showcase her comedic abilities fully, the episode primarily relegated her to supporting roles within sketches that felt reminiscent of past segments.
Sketch Highlights: A Missed Opportunity
During her debut, Madison found herself in familiar scenarios that many viewers recognized, similar to sketches from previous episodes. Playing a variety of characters—such as a high schooler engaging in a cold open, a partner to a dying criminal, and an OB/GYN—Madison’s portrayals largely supported existing cast members, rather than creating fresh, standout characters.
It wasn’t until the later part of the episode that Madison took the lead in a game-show segment titled “So Like … What Are We.” Although this sketch was enjoyable, it did not reach the peak potential expected of an Oscar-winning actor. The missed chance to explore new comedic ground was apparent throughout the episode.
Returning Guests and Familiar Gags
Particularly disappointing was a segment featuring a video from Please Don’t Destroy, wherein Madison expressed a desire to star in a prestige TV show inspired by Spongebob Squarepants. Critics noted this felt like a repeat of a prior sketch featuring Bad Bunny as Shrek, indicating a lack of new material tailored for the host.
Musical Performance by Morgan Wallen
The musical segment of the night was executed by country artist Morgan Wallen, who performed two songs: “I’m The Problem” and “I’m A Little Crazy,” adding a vibrant auditory element to the evening’s proceedings.
Cold Open: Political Commentary
The opening sketch addressed recent political events, featuring a character inspired by Defense Secretary Pete Hesgeth, portrayed by Andrew Dismukes. This cold open involved a group chat with high school girls, reflecting on the current political scene while blending humor with commentary on communication mishaps.
Mikey Madison’s Monologue
In a light-hearted monologue, Madison joked about her busy schedule and referenced her past roles in “Scream” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” humorously showcasing the range of characters that met fiery ends. She teased her audience about having developed pole-dancing skills for her recent role in “Anora,” ultimately revealing a comical twist involving a body double for the demonstration.
Best Sketch of the Night
One of the standout segments involved a pre-taped musical number titled “Wait in a big, dumb line,” which playfully explored the eccentricities of New Yorkers willing to stand in long queues for various food trends. The catchy lyrics and upbeat tempo made it a memorable piece of the episode.
Additional Highlights
Another noteworthy moment came from an animated short featuring Michael Longfellow and Bowen Yang, creatively imagining the design of New York City through the lenses of explorers in the 1620s. This innovative approach highlighted the whimsical aspects of the city’s chaotic structure.
Weekend Update: Social Commentary
In the ‘Weekend Update’ segment, Joann from Joann Fabrics addressed the bankruptcy of her company. However, the highlight was Devon Walker’s satirical take on influencer culture, where he humorously shared videos of his morning routines from the “SNL” offices, contrasting typical influencer lifestyles with a comedic twist on his living situation.
Conclusion
Despite the mixed execution of sketches during Mikey Madison’s SNL hosting debut, there were commendable moments that showcased both Madison’s potential and the show’s established comedic strengths. Moving forward, it is hoped that future appearances will provide her with more opportunity to shine and demonstrate her talent in new, inventive sketches.