Dave Chappelle’s four-time hosting stint on Saturday Night Live is no surprise, as the comedian has a history of taking on high-profile gigs around election time. However, his latest monologue marked a departure from previous appearances. Rather than relying on familiar jokes and provocations, Chappelle used the platform to lay the groundwork for thoughtful commentary.
Chappelle initially rejected an offer to host SNL after Trump’s re-election, but eventually agreed to take the stage. In a surprising move, he acknowledged that it was “too soon” to laugh about the ongoing wildfires in Southern California and chose instead to use his platform for more meaningful purposes. The veteran comic seemed to be making a deliberate choice to shift his tone, conveying an interest in unity and compassion.
This marked a departure from Chappelle’s earlier SNL appearances, which often sparked controversy with perceived anti-Semitic remarks. Instead, the comedian came across as mellower and sincere, offering viewers an unexpected plea for understanding.
Source: https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2025/01/dave-chappelle-saturday-night-live-monologue/681377