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...
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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.
info_outlineWe talk about Chris Rock’s fourth time hosting on December 14, 2024. The alum anchors a largely forgettable episode, interlaced with a few showstopping bangers. We talk about impactful lines from Rock’s Opening Monologue, fan fictionalizing the 2022 Oscars Slap in Simpsons Christmas Gift, as well as racial memory and application with Grandpa’s Magic Car and Mall Santas. Readings include histories of standup and fan fiction as well as recent articles on honestly representing mythic and iconic figures.