Saturday Night Live is set to reach its 50th season later this year, and it will attempt to reinvigorate that long-running comedy sketch program with some key changes. Just like those who suffer a midlife crisis, SNL will be radically shifting into a new gear when it comes to joking about one particular convicted former president. According to the fan-favorite duo behind the popular Weekend Update sketch, the 50th anniversary of SNL will usher in a new era of Donald Trump impersonations and jokes.
In a tell-all interview with The Hollywood Reporter, SNL duo Michael Che and Colin Jost discussed how the upcoming season will celebrate the 50-year milestone when it premieres at the end of September. They also posed for THR as the U.S. presidential candidates, with Che and Jost dressed up as Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, respectively. After Alec Baldwin, James Austin Johnson, Shane Gillis, and a host of other guest stars have made their mark as Trump on SNL over the past few decades, the cover teases major changes to his portrayal for the 50th anniversary. For Che, since Trump has evolved as a public persona, so should their version of the convicted former president:
“And Trump has morphed. James, who I think is brilliant, played Trump as the sort of diminished Trump. The guy at the back of the hardware store holding court, and that played because it felt relevant. But we are going to have to reinvent it again because, well, you saw the debate. One of the great parts of show business is that you can’t come back with the same show. So, all of these characters have to be reexamined, and if it makes sense and feels relevant, you know you’re on the right track. But if it feels like you’re talking to the audience and want to be supported because your values are the same as their values, you really shouldn’t be in comedy.”
SNL Is Going Big for Season 50
The 50th season of Saturday Night Live is making moves to make it one of its biggest seasons yet. To do so, they’ve recruited an all-star lineup of celebrity and musical guests, as well as added new cast members to the comedy crew. Jean Smart, Ariana Grande, Coldplay, John Mulaney, Chappell Roan, and many more will be featured in the upcoming season. Meanwhile, SNL is set to add members Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline, booting Chloe Troast after just one season. With creator Lorne Michaels previously eyeing retirement after the 50th season, it seems SNL is trying to make the most of what could be his final season.
In related news, Michael Che and Colin Jost are set to host a live comedy show for Peacock called New York After Dark. The streamer is capitalizing on the creative duo’s popularity while also letting them spread their wings together away from SNL. Nothing lasts forever, and with Lorne Michaels probably retiring soon, the two comedians are ensuring audiences get to see them with or without the long-standing comedy series. For now, audiences can enjoy Che and Jost on both SNL and the Peacock original.
The 50th season of
Saturday Night Live
premieres September 28.