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...
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Episode 46: Miles Teller (S51E04)
SNL101
We discuss Miles Teller’s second time hosting on . The episode was uneven, it was technically good but lacked “flavor.” We discuss how we could use “” in class to discuss the true crime genre, strategic use of archetypes in comedy, and using gendered dynamics in screenwriting. Readings feature Ralph Ellison, Richard Butsch, and a history of true crime from Jstor Daily, as well as films that comment on intimacy in relationships including On Golden Pond (1981) and Together (2025).
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S51E03 BONUS: A Conversation with Michelle Santosuosso
SNL101
Charisse chats with Michelle Santosuosso, a pioneering voice in hip-hop radio, a music industry veteran, about Sabrina Carpenter’s recent SNL appearance and album rollout. They analyze the performance’s marketing strategy, sanitized humor, and sexuality themes, comparing Carpenter’s authenticity to Taylor Swift’s image control. The discussion also examines SNL’s evolving cultural risks, streaming-era language freedom, and music industry promotion dynamics.
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Episode 45: Sabrina Carpenter (S51E03)
SNL101
There were a lot of thoughts on Sabrina Carpenter’s first time hosting on . This iteration may have hit its stride, but may have underutilized Sabrina’s talents. We discuss as well as Jost’s joke about . We also hear from , Professor of Practice at Newhouse’s Bandier Program for Recording and Entertainment Industries, about Sabrina’s career trajectory and the role of SNL in the music business.
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Episode 44: Amy Poehler (S51E02)
SNL101
We discuss Any Poehler’s second time solo hosting on October 11, 2025. We talk about Emo Mom through the lens of liminality on both ends of adulthood, in adolescence and menopause, as well as gendered differences in aging, and representations of grief. Readings include an article about the We Do Not Care Club and Kendrick Lamar’s Die Hard.
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Episode 43: Bad Bunny (S51E01)
SNL101
In this season premiere episode hosted by , we discuss the and satirizing authoritarianism. Readings include a new essay from Luvell Anderson and a classic 1940 essay from Rudolf Arnheim reflecting on the effectiveness of Chaplin’s seminal satire The Great Dictator (1940). We also include a clip of discussing the reception of Archie Bunker.
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Season 51 Pregame
SNL101
Charisse, Luvell, and Chuck get together before the premiere of SNL Season 50 to talk about hopes, dreams, and fears for the new season. We also discuss , Bargatze's opening sketch at the 2025 Emmys.
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Episode 42: Scarlett Johannson (S50E20)
SNL101
After a year of celebrations, reflections, and clip shows, Scarlett Johansson hosts the season finale of the 50th season on for a record-setting seventh time. We talk about the power of news parody with and , as well as the complexity of humorous gaze with and food Ethics in . We also discuss and .
info_outlineWe discuss Nikki Glaser’s first time hosting on November 8, 2025. bringing her bold, boundary-pushing comedy to network broadcast television. Glaser's Stand-Up Monologue —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 article, "‘I love Hitler’: Leaked messages expose Young Republicans’ racist chat."