In a surprisingly candid and humorous monologue during Sunday’s “SNL50” celebration, Tom Hanks acknowledged the show’s past missteps. Instead of honoring fellow cast members, he paid tribute to comedy sketches that didn’t age well.
Hanks began by saying, “As we celebrate 50 years of ‘SNL,’ let’s also honor those who made us laugh, but not in a good way.” He poked fun at characters and accents deemed racist or insensitive. The irony was lost on the audience, yet they laughed along with them.
The “in memoriam” segment featured clips showcasing problematic content, including ethnic stereotypes, sexual harassment, underage harassment, and more. Hanks cleverly turned the tables on the audience, asking if they should be the ones held accountable for laughing at such material.
While the three-hour event was filled with nostalgic moments and classic sketches, it’s undeniable that “SNL50” also acknowledged some of the show’s darkest past. The tribute served as a reminder that comedy is subjective, but its impact can be lasting.
Source: https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/snl50-problematic-past-stereotypes-sexism-1236310706