US EditionWhat It’s Really Like to Work for ‘SNL,’ as Told by Former Performers & Writers
- Bill Maher criticized a February 2024 Saturday Night Live sketch on his podcast that featured Tom Hanks as a racist MAGA supporter avoiding a handshake with Kenan Thompson's character.
- Maher condemned the sketch because he believes it exaggerates and misrepresents MAGA supporters, claiming most are not racist and would shake hands with Black people.
- The sketch, co-written by Bryan Tucker and Michael Che, was partly improvised by Hanks during a 2015 live taping and recalls prior versions that found some common ground between Trump supporters and Black contestants.
- Maher called the sketch premise a “zombie lie,” saying, “You're just hysterical and you're not helping,” and stated that jokes fail when based on unreal premises.
- Maher's critique highlights ongoing disputes about political satire's accuracy and impact, suggesting that coarse stereotypes about MAGA supporters may undermine constructive discourse.
31 Articles
31 Articles
Daily Journal
What It’s Really Like to Work for ‘SNL,’ as Told by Former Performers & Writers
As a writer on the show, ‘you sweat from your spine out, you’re woozy, and you can feel your heartbeat in your mouth,’ Tina Fey said.
Bill Maher Slams SNL for Portrayal of Trump Supporters as Racist
Bill Maher has criticized “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) for a sketch that he believes unfairly depicts supporters of President Donald Trump as racists. The sketch, part of SNL’s 50th-anniversary special, featured Tom Hanks reprising his role as “Doug” from the “Black Jeopardy!” segment. In the skit, Doug, wearing a MAGA hat, refuses to shake hands with the Black host, implying racial prejudice. On his “Club Random” podcast, Maher expressed his dis…
Maher calls out SNL for 'zombie lie' that Republicans are racist, warns they are 'not helping'
Bill Maher criticized actor Tom Hanks and liberal writers at "Saturday Night Live" for outdated stereotypes of conservatives during a conversation with Jillian Michaels.
Bill Maher Isn't Happy 'SNL' Called His MAGA Friends Racist
I think you could get away with assuming folks aren't explicitly racist because they voted for Trump in 2016. It's wrong, but the whole thing felt so unprecedented that it was easier to assume folks just wanted a stronger economy... Read more...
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Right
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
