Justina's Writing Corner

While perusing social media, it’s a common occurrence to stumble upon SNL amidst the plethora of succinct videos. However, beyond the humorous snippets that grace platforms like Instagram and TikTok, what precisely constitutes the essence of SNL?

Saturday Night Live (SNL) is a late-night comedy television show that has been on the air since 1975 in New York. The show features a series of live comedic sketches, musical performances, and celebrity guests, all hosted by a different celebrity guest each week. SNL is known for its satirical and often politically-charged humor, as well as its impressions of politicians and celebrities. In this live show, celebrity hosts join an award-winning ensemble cast to perform comedic sketches, satirical news, and digital shorts, alongside popular musical acts. This show captures the pop-culture zeitgeist; its sketches and segments often go viral the next day. The show has launched the careers of many famous comedians, actors, and musicians, including Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, and many others. SNL has won numerous awards and is considered an iconic staple of American television comedy.

“I watch SNL to understand the country more than just the place we live in. I believe it is a great resource to connect to the outside world.”

Shuhao Chen, Junior at Arcadia High School

SNL has made many significant contributions to American popular culture and the entertainment industry. SNL pioneered the format of late-night sketch comedy that has been imitated by many other shows. It was able to push the boundaries of what is acceptable in mainstream comedy; it often tackled taboo subjects and controversial issues. Additionally, it provides a platform for political satire and commentary, with many sketches and parodies focused on political figures and events. Last but not least, they were able to bring new musical acts to wider audiences, with many famous musicians and bands performing on the show. Overall, SNL has had a significant impact on American television and popular culture, and its influence can be seen in many other shows and forms of comedy.

SNL also relates to high school life and can be seen as a cultural touchstone for students. It has been on the air for over 45 years and has had a huge influence on American popular culture. Understanding the show’s impact can give high schoolers insight into the comedy, music, and political commentary of the time. Not only does SNL provide a platform as a cultural touchstone, but it can also help develop a sense of humor. Comedy is an important part of our culture, and SNL is a great example of how humor can be used to make a point, address important issues, or just make people laugh. SNL has launched the careers of many famous comedians, actors, and musicians. High schoolers who are interested in pursuing careers in these fields may find SNL to be a source of inspiration and a model for how to succeed in the entertainment industry. Lastly, SNL often features sketches and parodies that comment on current events and political issues. By watching the show, high schoolers can stay informed about what’s going on in the world and learn to think critically about the news and media they consume. Thus, high schoolers may find SNL to be an entertaining and informative way to engage with American culture, comedy, and politics.

“SNL has taught me a lot of recent news and politics in a non-traditional way that I love. They make them seem less tense and funner while still touching the points needed.”

Amritha Kumaran, Junior of Arcadia High School

Being a satirical comedy, SNL benefits the society a lot. By highlighting the flaws and shortcomings of those in power, satirical comedy can help to hold them accountable for their actions. Satirical comedy like SNL often addresses critical social issues and can be a way of commenting on the world around us. By using humor to draw attention to issues such as inequality, injustice, and corruption, SNL can help to raise awareness and provoke discussion. It can also help to reduce tension and relieve stress. Humor is a powerful way of diffusing tension and relieving stress. Satirical comedy can provide a break from the stresses of daily life and can help people to find perspective and a sense of humor in difficult situations. Besides the points listed above, SNL can also promote critical thinking. Satirical comedy like SNL often requires viewers to think critically about the issues being presented. By challenging assumptions and highlighting contradictions, satirical comedy can help to promote critical thinking and encourage viewers to question the world around them. In the end, satirical comedy can be an essential form of social commentary, holding those in power accountable and promoting critical thinking. It can also provide a source of relief and humor in difficult times, helping to bring people together and create a sense of shared understanding.