Top 10 Times SNL Tackled Serious Issues

In 2020, the pandemic was raging and forced “SNL” to leave the studio. This particular sketch from the show’s at-home episodes features Brad Pitt as Dr. Anthony Fauci, delivering an address as the nation’s medical advisor. Pitt nails the matter-of-fact attitude of Fauci, but with a notable twist. He both mocks President Trump’s commentary about the pandemic and delivers a send-up of an actual speech in the process. By the end of the segment, Pitt takes off his wig and thanks his real-life counterpart for his hard work during a scary time in American history. Considering the unprecedented circumstances surrounding COVID-19, the writers behind this skit decide to shed any comedy for a moment to talk about the real issue at hand.

Following the divisive 2016 election, “Saturday Night Live” took aim at the divide between voters. Host Dave Chappelle joins a predominantly white and liberal house party to watch the live results of the contest. As the night goes on, the partygoers make excuses for Clinton’s flailing numbers. Chappelle’s character chimes in with humorous commentary about the feelings of disenfranchised Black voters, some of whom knew a Trump victory was possible. Guest performer Chris Rock even comes by to reiterate the host’s point. Only a week prior, the show tackled the election in a sentimental cold open that broke the fourth wall. This insightful sketch ends with some sobering points about the real state of American politics in the fallout of the election.

This 2017 sketch finds cast member Cecily Strong playing an HR representative named Claire on “Weekend Update.” Her character Claire conducts a number of sexual harassment quizzes with Colin Jost, asking the latter some obvious questions about appropriate conduct in the workplace. This all stems from the wave of misconduct that came out that year in the entertainment industry. Framing the skit around the discoveries of the MeToo movement, the script takes a pointed look at an ongoing problem in Hollywood and beyond. Strong reveals her disgust in some choice lines and a hilarious gag with a Purell bottle. At the end of the segment, the performer puts into perspective the reality of the abusive behavior plaguing offices everywhere.

Host Bill Burr feels right at home in this segment about a football recap show. Burr’s panelist Gill Scott mentions that he’s the winner of a bet between himself and his co-host, played by Kenan Thompson. The former analyst continues to rub it in, but the latter reveals that he’s more focused on the coverage surrounding the police shooting of an unarmed Black man. Gradually it becomes clear that Scott didn’t account for the news, preparing ill-timed props and pranks at his co-worker’s expense. As his co-hosts discuss the serious incident, the presenter tries to offer his last-minute solidarity in a darkly funny piece. This sketch both manages to deal with the pattern of police shootings in America and satirizes the responses to the events.

Parodying the classic “Schoolhouse Rock!” program, this funny skit features a child learning about bills in Congress. When President Obama enters the picture, he sends Kenan Thompson’s bill down the steps of the Capitol Building. Both the music and Thompson’s priceless reactions amplify this underrated and informative segment. Bobby Moynihan’s executive order smokes a cigarette in another detail that makes for a memorable comedic moment. The greater message of the sketch serves to inform people about the complexities of the American government, all while referencing the Obama administration’s plans regarding the status of undocumented immigrants. “Saturday Night Live” manages to faithfully recreate children’s television and explain the inner workings of the executive and legislative branches.

For this particular piece, Mike Myers appears as Carl Sagan in a Christmas special focused almost entirely on the effects of climate change - or, as it was known in those days, global warming. Many celebrity impressions, including Tom Hanks as Dean Martin, pepper the sketch with added flavor and humor. It’s truly ridiculous watching holiday cheer mix with vital scientific information, but this skit manages to do both. Everyone from science fiction writer Isaac Asimov to Dana Carvey’s pitch-perfect Paul McCartney comes by to celebrate. The segment was originally aired in 1990, but also received further attention after being re-aired on an episode in 2021. In doing so, it feels more relevant than ever and especially prescient about climate change given its original airdate.

In the tenth season of the show, host Eddie Murphy starred in this pre-recorded segment that played with perceptions of racial divisions in the US. The comedian goes undercover with makeup and a wig to experience the world as a white man. He quickly realizes that everything from buying a newspaper to a trip on the bus is seemingly different. Every situation is played up for comic effect, along with a shred of truth underneath it all. Murphy’s trip to a bank feels much closer to reality considering the various inequalities that stem from prejudice and racism. The discoveries he makes, while played for comedic effect, highlight the difference between races.

Before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a draft opinion was leaked about its impending danger. “SNL” chose to make fun of one point of the argument that cited a draconian 13th-century law. Using the Middle Ages setting, this skit takes viewers back to the absurd and ill-informed moment that inspired Justice Alito’s writing. The misguided characters talk about their lives in the 1200s while comically debating abortion. Cecily Strong acts as a voice of reason, questioning the absurd standards of their medieval world. It wasn’t the first time the show pursued the controversial subject, considering Strong also had a compelling “Weekend Update” segment about the topic. This sketch ultimately provides a farcical critique of the Supreme Court decision.

Considering Bowen Yang's historic placement on the cast, it's only right that he made this important statement about the rise of Asian hate crimes in the US. Joining Colin Jost on “Weekend Update,” the performer examines the growing issue with both comedy and emotional resonance. He mentions possible avenues to support the Asian community, including a few humorous ways to help on social media. Yang also uses the segment to detail the greater struggles of marginalized people with nuanced thoughts and a plea for everyone to go the extra mile. Providing “SNL” with one of its more direct statements about racism, the comedian delivers a stirring monologue about the necessity for humanity and compassion in trying times.

Given that “Saturday Night Live” is filmed in New York, the events of September 11th created uncertainty for the future of the program and made the concept of humor itself difficult to comprehend anymore. “SNL's” first episode after 9/11 starts with an opening address and tribute from mayor Rudy Giuliani and New York first responders. This introduction also includes a performance by Paul Simon, bringing the somber scene into perspective with a hopeful message. In one of the highlights of the entire show, producer Lorne Michaels asks Giuliani a now-famous question that's answered with perfect timing from the mayor. The cathartic moment allowed for a city and a nation to grieve and even laugh together again.