The premiere of the 51st season of Saturday Night Live featured Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny as host. This episode followed a week of political discussions regarding his upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance. Bad Bunny combined humor and cultural pride, delivering a resonant monologue that appealed to both fans and critics.
The debut episode echoed elements that former President Trump has criticized: a late-night comedy show with a globally celebrated host from Puerto Rico, incisive commentary on current politics, and a critique of conservative media. Audiences experienced a mix of satire and cultural insights throughout the night.
Bad Bunny’s bold monologue
Leading up to the premiere, social media buzzed with a clip from Bad Bunny’s previous hosting appearance. In that segment, he humorously addressed doubts about his English skills, stating, “People are questioning my ability to host this show because English isn’t my first language, but I do whatever I want.” This confident statement set a lively tone for the evening.
Bad Bunny, recognized for his stylish presence, appeared on stage in eye-catching attire, adorned with diamond chains. He humorously addressed the Super Bowl performance, noting, “I think everyone is happy about it, even Fox News,” prompting laughter as clips of conservative commentators praising him were shown.
A message for his fans
In a heartfelt moment, he spoke in Spanish, conveying a powerful message to his Latin audience. “This is a victory for all of us,” he declared, highlighting the importance of representation in mainstream media. “Our contribution is undeniable, and no one can erase it.” He encouraged detractors to embrace understanding, adding, “If you didn’t catch what I just said, you have four months to learn.”
Sketches that stole the show
The cold open offered a satirical portrayal of Trump’s inner circle, with Colin Jost as Pete Hegseth in an exaggerated manner. Jost’s performance playfully mocked military attitudes, while James Austin Johnson reprised his role as Trump, humorously reminding the cast of his ever-watchful presence.
One of Bad Bunny’s standout moments included a tribute to his affection for K-Pop. In a segment featuring the HUNTRA/X catalog, he showcased how these songs act as anthems against negativity, demonstrating music’s potential as a force for good. His vibrant performance alongside actual K-Pop artists left a lasting impression on viewers.
Weekend Update highlights
The Weekend Update segment featured Jost humorously commenting on Elon Musk’s significant net worth, quipping, “Wow, shout-out to Tylenol!” This exemplified the clever humor characteristic of SNL. Noteworthy appearances included Jon Hamm, who returned in a casual Hawaiian shirt, honoring Bad Bunny’s vibrant Puerto Rican heritage.
In another memorable segment, Bowen Yang portrayed Dobby from Harry Potter, addressing ongoing discussions about trans rights with humor. His poignant yet comedic delivery captured the struggles of marginalized groups, as he lamented, “House elves are always the scapegoat, despite being only 1% of the population.”