Tom Hanks shared a – let’s say – unique perspective when delivering his sharp opening monologue during Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary special (SNL50).
Using his signature deadpan delivery to address an undeniable truth, Hanks metaphorically held his hands up and admitted that some of SNL’s past sketches have not aged well.
Of course they haven’t!
The legendary late-night show has been a staple of American comedy since 1975, pushing boundaries and creating iconic moments. As a result, it hasn’t always stood the test of time when it comes to cultural sensitivity.
But rather than sweeping those missteps under the rug, SNL50 tackled them head-on, with Hanks leading the charge in a brilliantly unexpected segment.
The “In Memoriam” Tribute… With a Twist
Hanks, who has been closely associated with SNL for years, kicked off the segment with what initially appeared to be a traditional “In Memoriam” tribute. His solemn tone set the audience up for an emotional reflection, as he began: “As we celebrate the achievement of 50 years, we must also take a moment to honor those who we’ve lost.
“Countless members of the SNL family were taken from us too soon.”
But just as the audience was preparing for a heartfelt tribute to past cast members and contributors, Hanks delivered a sharp comedic turn.
“I’m talking, of course, about SNL characters and sketches that have aged horribly,” he said.
Hanks then took aim of the viewers, highlighting their part in poorly-aged comedy sketches. “But even though these characters, accents, and… let’s just call them ‘ethnic’ wigs were unquestionably in poor taste, you all laughed at them,” he quipped.
“So if anyone should be canceled, shouldn’t it be you, the audience? Something to think about. Anyway, we now present to you this In Memoriam.”
Cue the laughter — and the montage.
The segment then launched into a video package featuring controversial SNL moments, categorized under eyebrow-raising labels like “Ethnic Stereotypes,” “Sexual Harassment,” “Body Shaming,” “Gay Panic,” and “Problematic Guests.”
Viewers were shown clips of past sketches that, in hindsight, would never fly today, along with guest appearances from some deeply controversial figures — including O.J. Simpson, Robert Blake, R. Kelly, Diddy, and Jared from Subway.
…Yikes.
It certainly was a bold moment of self-awareness, proving that SNL is willing to confront its history, even when it gets uncomfortable.
Hanks Stirs Up Controversy in a New “Black Jeopardy” Sketch
However, shortly after the segment, Hanks was – ironically – starring in a sketch that was met with heavy backlash: the return of “Black Jeopardy.”
The popular recurring bit, which playfully explores racial and cultural divides, once again featured SNL veteran Kenan Thompson as the game show’s host. This time, Tom Hanks reprised his controversial role as a “MAGA” voter competing in the game.
In the sketch, Hanks’ character, decked out in a Make America Great Again cap, found himself awkwardly navigating the show’s cultural dynamics. The moment that got people talking? When Thompson, playing the host, attempted to shake hands with Hanks’ character — only for the visibly uncomfortable Republican contestant to hesitate and avoid the handshake.
Despite delighting many viewers, many viewers were understandably furious with his depiction of a MAGA supporter.
One angered viewer tweeted: “So not funny and Tom Hanks insulted me and 77 million other viewers.”
And another X user added: “This trope of portraying the majority of the country as “racist” is so annoying, old, and divisive. Glad I’m not watching this tonight.”
Another critic noticed what they saw as a lack of laughter from the audience, writing: “No one in the audience laughs as Tom Hanks appears on SNL as a racist Trump supporter that refuses to shake hands with a Black man.”
Maybe this sketch will be featured in its own “In Memoriam” segment in a few years.
SNL50: A Celebration with a Side of Self-Reflection
While SNL50 was, at its core, a grand celebration of the show’s legendary impact on comedy, last night proved that the show still isn’t afraid to poke fun at itself.
Tom Hanks’ opening segment was a masterclass in self-aware humor — both acknowledging SNL’s cultural missteps and reminding audiences that, at the end of the day, comedy evolves.
And in true SNL fashion, it did so with a punchline.
