Saturday Night Live lost its bite long ago, and it’s unlikely to find it on British TV | Sarah Manavis

The article presents a critique of Saturday Night Live (SNL) and its recent attempts at satire, particularly through a controversial sketch that drew backlash from one of its subjects. It questions the quality of humor in SNL and raises concerns about its relevance in the comedic landscape, especially with the announcement of a British version of the show.

Quality of Satire

The piece begins by exploring what constitutes good satire and what does not. It highlights the pitfalls of "punching down" in comedy, which SNL allegedly fell into with its recent sketch. The commentary from Aimee Lou Wood, who felt the portrayal was unfunny and mean-spirited, serves as a focal point for the critique. This incident illustrates a broader issue with SNL's humor, suggesting it has become less sharp and more reliant on cheap laughs.

Declining Relevance

SNL, despite its historical popularity since 1975, appears to have lost its edge over the past decade. The article indicates that the show has not only become predictable but also increasingly unfunny, leading to skepticism about the upcoming British version, SNL UK. The mention of Lorne Michaels as an executive producer does little to assuage doubts about its potential success, indicating that the show's legacy may not translate well across the Atlantic.

Public Sentiment

The article suggests that public sentiment around SNL has shifted, with many viewers expressing dissatisfaction. The backlash from Wood's sketch is emblematic of a growing demand for more thoughtful satire that resonates with contemporary issues rather than falling back on outdated tropes. This shift reflects a wider cultural moment where audiences expect more from comedic content.

Potential Implications

The criticism of SNL could have broader implications for the comedy industry, particularly in how shows approach satire and parody in a rapidly changing social landscape. If SNL and similar shows fail to adapt, they risk alienating their audiences and losing relevance. The skepticism surrounding SNL UK could point to a hesitance to embrace formats that may not meet modern expectations.

Community Reception

This article likely resonates more with audiences who value intelligent and incisive humor over slapstick or mean-spirited comedy. It may attract viewers who are critical of mainstream media's approach to satire and are seeking a more thoughtful critique of societal issues.

Economic and Political Dimensions

While the article primarily focuses on comedy, its implications could extend to the economics of television production and the political landscape as well. If SNL's format is seen as outdated, it may impact advertising revenues and the types of content that networks are willing to invest in.

AI Influence

The use of AI in crafting this article is not overtly evident, but it is plausible that AI models could have been employed in analyzing audience reactions or trends in comedy. However, the subjective nature of humor and satire typically requires a nuanced human touch that AI might not fully replicate.

In summary, the article critically assesses the current state of SNL and its impact on comedy, while also reflecting on audience expectations and the potential trajectory of the genre. The reliability of the article stems from its well-structured arguments and the relevant context it provides about changing tastes in humor.