Episode 56: Ryan Gosling (S51E13)
SNL101
In this episode, we discuss Ryan Gosling's fourth time hosting on . One of the season's strongest, the episodes highlighted Gosling's comedic commitment and ability to make political commentary feel entertaining. Charisse frames the episode through a "pre-apocalyptic" lens, arguing that SNL is reflecting society's tipping point, while Luvell reads the featuring Harry Styles as a metaphor for political distraction. We explore late-stage capitalism and labor exploitation in , a Willy Wonka parody, as well as Colin Jost’s Pete Hegseth in the as an example of sneering satire undermining...
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Episode 55: Connor Storrie (S51E13)
SNL101
We discuss Connor Storrie’s hosting debut on . Although his performance was memorable, we unpack the first sketch, for its ethnic stereotyping and insider humor. We also include an important counter perspective from one of Charisse’s students who loved the sketch. We also debate the controversial cut-for-time sketch , and discuss disability representation, audience responsibility, and comedic framing. Resources include film and television episodes that address stereotyping and discriminatory behavior as well as a flow chart from Charisse on when to embrace or avoid doing ethnic...
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Episode 54: Alex Skarsgård (S51E12)
SNL101
In this episode we discuss Alex Skarsgård's hosting debut on SNL's historic 1000th episode, which aired . We offer mixed reviews — Chuck and Luvell found it enjoyable and a step up from recent weeks, while Charisse found it somewhat boring. We dive deep into two standout sketches: "," in which a mother admits she may have been wrong about Trump, sparking discussion about cognitive dissonance, forgiveness, face-saving, and political reconciliation; and "," which explores themes of belonging, friendship, power dynamics, and psychosocial needs through an absurdist comedic lens. Readings and...
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Episode 53: Teyana Taylor (S51E11)
SNL101
This week, we are joined by TV writer to talk about Teyana Taylor’s hosting debut on . Although Teyana brought charisma, style, and joy, the episode itself felt uneven and “underbaked,” with writing that didn’t fully use her musical and comedic strengths. We talk about the corporate synergy with , linguistics and cultural appropriation in , white guilt in turbulent times with , and the strategic deployment of innocence in . Resources include several scholarly articles on language, culture, and identity as well as popular satirical texts including Black No More by George Schuyler...
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Episode 52: Finn Wolfhard (S51E10)
SNL101
We discuss Finn Wolfhard’s January 2026 SNL hosting debut on . Known for Stranger Things, It, and Ghostbusters. Finn’s monologue featured former castmates, sparking nostalgia and strong audience energy, but the episode was uneven with many underdeveloped sketches. We talk about the clever genre blending and figurative language, as well as slash fiction and fan creativity in “” and expand into how reboots, remakes, and fan-inspired storytelling function in corporate media with “.” Readings include a primer on figurative language from the poetry foundation and Textual Poachers by...
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Episode 51: Ariana Grande (S51E09)
SNL101
In this episode, we discuss Ariana Grande’s third time hosting on . 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 “” 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.
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Episode 50: Josh O'Connor (S51E08)
SNL101
We discuss Josh O’Connor’s hosting debut on . He was charming but the episode was uneven. We discuss how “” plays on the “soft boy” aesthetic as well as the complexity of masculinity and how desire, gender norms, and emotional authenticity are negotiated in popular culture. We also talk about how “” can be used for a deep dive into memory, shame, data privacy, and self-perception. Resources including readings on shame and the privacy paradox as well as films that explore the concept of memory.
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Episode 49: Melissa McCarthy (S51E07)
SNL101
Online comments hailed Melissa McCarthy’s sixth turn hosting on as comic genius, but our collective take was more mixed. We discuss and Jost’s growing confidence as a performer as well as , which showcased McCarthy’s dramatic range. We focus on to discuss fat humor, embodiment, loneliness, and attachment theory. Readings and resources include theoretical work regarding fatness and loneliness, as well as conversations on Harlow’s psychologically deprived monkeys.
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Episode 48: Glen Powell (S51E06)
SNL101
We discuss Glen Powell’s hosting debut, one of the season’s strongest thanks to his full commitment, physicality, and enthusiasm. Luvell explores how “” taps into concerns about AI ethics, memory, and “enshittification,” Charisse praises “” for illustrating cultivation theory and how media shapes perceptions of entire cultures, and Chuck highlights “” for its choreography, queer slang, and playful stereotypes. We also examine the darkly comic return of and the episode’s surprisingly sharp handling of Epstein, showcasing the show’s willingness to take risks.
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Episode 47: Nikki Glaser (S51E05)
SNL101
We discuss Nikki Glaser’s first time hosting on . bringing her bold, boundary-pushing comedy to network broadcast television. Glaser's —filled with taboo humor about rape, trafficking, and pedophilia—was a masterclass in “gross-out” comedy where Glaser targets herself rather than others. Charisse compares Glaser to John Waters, Luvell connects the episode to philosophical debates about ethical taboos in humor, and Chuck situates it in a tradition of transgressive film comedies like Scary Movie, Road Trip, and Serial Mom. Readings include Film Comedy by Geoff King and the Politico...
info_outlineWe talk with Dr. Noël Carroll, distinguished professor of philosophy, film and media cultures at the Graduate School at the City University of New York (CUNY) and a leading figure in contemporary philosophy of art. We discuss SNL’s reinvention of classic comedy formats, its role in shaping political satire, and its connections to countercultural movements. Carroll reflects on whether SNL is truly subversive or simply a product of capitalist entertainment, and the group debates the show's longevity in a changing media landscape. Is SNL an enduring institution or an aging relic? Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on comedy, art, and cultural transformation.