Teyana Taylor Hosts SNL; Trump Awards Recognize Controversial Moments

The latest episode of *Saturday Night Live* aired on January 24, 2024, featuring Teyana Taylor as host. This particular episode drew significant attention due to its unique segment, the inaugural Donald Trump Awards, hosted by James Austin Johnson’s impersonation of the former president.

The Trump Awards recognized Trump’s most notable moments from the past year, alongside the individuals who support or enable him. Framed as a diversion from recent issues involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the sketch included performances by Jeremy Culhane as J.D. Vance, Sarah Sherman portraying Aunt Gladys, and Andrew Dismukes as Stephen Miller. While *SNL* has often critiqued President Trump in its cold opens, this week’s approach was seen as a more inventive take compared to previous sketches.

Weekend Update Shines Amidst Mixed Reviews

Surprisingly, *Weekend Update* emerged as a highlight of the episode, providing a refreshing change from the predominantly Trump-focused material. The segment featured Marcello Hernández, who engaged hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che in an entertaining exploration of Gen Z slang. Hernández translated terms like “chopped” and “cooked,” while humorously informing Jost that his use of words such as “cap” and “delulu” had become outdated.

Another sketch, titled “Blow It,” depicted Martin Herlihy as a young man attempting to impress his girlfriend’s parents. His misguided attempt at humor included mocking her father’s accent and using the encounter to promote his self-help book. The comedic elements included absurd tactics such as dressing like a member of the Lumineers at a funeral, showcasing *SNL*’s signature blend of irreverence and social commentary.

Sketches Fail to Impress

Despite a few standout moments, the episode faced criticism for its weaker sketches. The musical segment featuring gate agents, played by Kenan Thompson and Taylor, was based on flight delays caused by a winter storm. Although the concept of singing employees delivering updates resonated with viewers, the execution fell short, quickly losing its appeal.

Another poorly received sketch involved a newly married couple, portrayed by Ashley Padilla and Kam Patterson, who acknowledged the groom’s elderly grandfather, played by Taylor. Initially intended as a heartfelt tribute, the scene devolved into chaos as the grandfather, recovering from knee surgery, attempted to dance to Earth, Wind & Fire music. The sketch was criticized for its lack of coherence and humor.

As *Saturday Night Live* continues to evolve, it remains a platform for both political commentary and cultural satire. Despite mixed reviews for the January 24 episode, the show maintains its status as a significant player in late-night television.

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