What's happened
The recent episodes of Saturday Night Live feature notable impersonations, including Bowen Yang as JD Vance and Dana Carvey as President Biden. The sketches highlight the show's ability to blend humor with political commentary, showcasing performances that resonate with current events and public sentiment.
Why it matters
What the papers say
Inga Parkel from The Independent notes Bowen Yang's initial doubts about portraying JD Vance, stating, "I was positive I was the wrong choice to impersonate the Republican Vice Presidential nominee." This highlights the personal connection Yang sought to establish with the character. Meanwhile, Dave Itzkoff from The New York Times emphasizes Dana Carvey's successful portrayal of Biden, suggesting that Carvey captures the essence of Biden rather than merely imitating him: "Carvey had been watching Biden’s speech patterns; clocking shifts in his level of annoyance with the news media." This indicates a deeper understanding of the characters being portrayed, which enhances the comedic impact.
How we got here
Saturday Night Live has a long history of political satire, often reflecting the current political landscape through humor. The latest season has seen a resurgence in political impersonations, particularly as the 2024 election cycle heats up.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Kamala Devi Harris is an American attorney and politician who has served as the junior United States Senator from California since 2017.
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Dana Thomas Carvey is an American stand-up comedian, actor, impressionist, screenwriter and producer. He is best known for his seven seasons as a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1986 to 1993, which earned him five consecutive Primetime Emmy Award
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Saturday Night Live is an American late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels and developed by Dick Ebersol. The show premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975, under the original title NBC's Saturday Night.