“Sabrina Carpenter Hosts ‘SNL’ as Pop Culture Takes Center Stage”

The latest episode of Saturday Night Live showcased a vibrant blend of pop culture and comedy, with host and musical guest Sabrina Carpenter taking the reins for her debut as a host. The show, which aired on March 15, 2024, experienced a delayed start due to college football, but once it began, the focus quickly shifted from political commentary to entertainment.

Carpenter, known for her music and acting, not only hosted but also performed tracks from her latest album, Man’s Best Friend. This dual role allowed her to engage with the audience in multiple ways, setting an energetic tone for the night.

Returning to the sketch comedy scene was the character Domingo, portrayed by Marcello Hernández. The character’s antics continued as he crashed a romantic celebration for Matt, played by Andrew Dismukes, and his wife Kelsey, played by Chloe Fineman. The sketch revolved around Matt’s 30th birthday, which Kelsey planned to celebrate with an intimate dinner and a performance by the “Kelsquad,” her group of friends. Their catchy song, which included the chant “D, O, M, I, N, G, O, Domingo!” led to a comedic entrance by Hernández’s character, who brought a humorous flair to the evening.

Despite the lighthearted atmosphere, the show did not entirely sidestep political commentary. James Austin Johnson reprised his role as former President Donald Trump, who was depicted participating in a podcast hosted by a group of children, dubbed the “Snack Homiez.” The sketch humorously tackled topics like “GOATed” vegetables and favorite Halloween candies, showcasing the show’s ability to intertwine humor with current events.

As the podcast unfolded, Trump’s comedic persona took center stage. When asked about his favorite vegetable, Johnson’s Trump quipped, “I’ve never been one for the veggies. Ding Dongs. I like a Ding Dong.” The character also made light of his previous controversial comments, shifting the conversation to former U.S. representative George Santos, who recently had his sentence commuted. Trump remarked on the public’s reaction to Santos, saying, “The people are marching because they’re happy he’s free, right? It’s a ‘Yes, King’ march.”

The balance between humor and social commentary remains a hallmark of SNL, and this episode exemplified the show’s ability to engage with contemporary issues while providing entertainment. The mix of music, comedy, and political satire is a testament to the program’s enduring appeal.

Overall, Carpenter’s hosting debut, combined with the return of beloved characters and sharp political satire, made for a memorable episode of Saturday Night Live. The show continues to resonate with audiences by spotlighting pop culture while cleverly weaving in relevant political themes.

As always, SNL airs on NBC, a division of NBCUniversal.