Quinta Brunson Shines in Second ‘SNL’ Hosting Appearance
Quinta Brunson, the creator and star of the acclaimed series “Abbott Elementary,” returned to “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) for her second hosting stint, demonstrating her impressive comedic timing and versatility. Her latest performance maintained the high standards set in her previous appearance, featuring an array of original sketches that entertained throughout the evening.
Highlights of Brunson’s Performance
Brunson showcased her talent through a variety of characters, including:
- A time-traveling Harriet Tubman in a parody reminiscent of “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” alongside Kenan Thompson as Frederick Douglass.
- A quirky model in a mock advertisement for “Forever 31,” promoting humorous oversized clothing.
- An amusing portrayal of a boxer, Jerry “Jackrabbit” Tulane, whose humor fades after several bouts.
- A spirited performance in the sketch “OnlySeniors,” featuring a couple finding themselves in unconventional situations for financial gain.
Brunson’s monologue began with anecdotes about her time working at a phone sex line and transitioned into a comedic song celebrating her height of 4 feet 11 inches. Her delivery was enhanced by the appearance of pop star Sabrina Carpenter and former NBA player Dwyane Wade, adding to the humor of the segment.
Comparative Output with Previous Hosts
Comparatively, Brunson’s return was particularly noteworthy against other hosts from the current seasons. While Nate Bargatze’s second appearance lacked the impact of his first, Shane Gillis’ follow-up performance was criticized for not meeting expectations after a weak debut. Brunson, however, maintained her momentum, consistently delivering laughs through various sketches.
Musical Guest Benson Boone
Adding musical flair to the episode, Benson Boone performed two songs: “Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else” and “Mystical Magical,” showcasing his energy with a backflip before the performances. Additionally, he appeared briefly on Weekend Update as an Applebee’s waiter, referencing his popular track “Beautiful Things.”
SNL’s Cold Open Featuring President Trump
The cold open, featuring James Austin Johnson as Donald Trump, continued the trend of political satire that SNL is known for. Johnson’s Trump signed off various exaggerated executive orders, tackling topics from deporting “Sesame Street” to making significant changes to common phrases, demonstrating the show’s unique blend of humor and commentary.
Favorite Sketches of the Night
Two sketches stood out for their creativity and execution:
- “OnlySeniors”: Brunson and Kenan Thompson portrayed elderly parents whose children discover their unconventional life insurance policy requiring them to perform for online audiences.
- Traffic Altercation Reprise: This sketch featured Brunson and Mikey Day engaged in a humorous face-off, using gestures to express a disagreement over bad parking.
Weekend Update Highlights
Weekend Update featured Michael Longfellow, who captured attention with his humorous take on not having a Real ID. His segments highlighted the show’s ability to weave everyday absurdities into comedy. Longfellow’s unique delivery and comedic timing suggest promising potential for future seasons.
Overall, Brunson’s return to SNL proved again that she is a formidable comedic talent, deserving of another hosting invitation for the upcoming season.