The anticipation around Sydney Sweeney’s hosting debut on “Saturday Night Live” was not just about witnessing her comedic talents, already proven through her Emmy-nominated performances in “The White Lotus” and “Euphoria,” but also about whether SNL would utilize her versatility beyond the obvious. Despite concerns, Sweeney’s appearance showcased a mix of self-deprecation, clever sketches, and, unavoidably, sketches that leaned into her sex symbol status, reflecting both the strengths and limitations of SNL’s approach to guest hosts.
Opening Monologue: A Self-Reflective Start
Sweeney kicked off the night with a monologue that embraced self-awareness, humorously addressing controversies and rumors surrounding her, from a MAGA-themed birthday party to diet-related misinformation. Her approach set a promising tone, blending personal anecdotes with broader humor, and cleverly involving her “Anyone but You” co-star Glen Powell, indicating a readiness to tackle her public persona head-on.
Sketch Highlights and Lows
The evening’s sketches ranged from the insightful to the predictable. A standout was the “Airbnb Design Commercial,” where Sweeney and Chloe Troast played interior designers with a knack for creating uninspiring, generic Airbnb interiors. This pre-recorded bit shone for its originality and relatable satire, contrasting sharply with live sketches that struggled to find their footing.
Conversely, a sketch like “Hooters Waitress” felt like a missed opportunity, relying too heavily on dated stereotypes without offering fresh commentary or humor, indicative of SNL’s occasional fallback to predictable humor, especially with hosts known for their physical appeal.
Unexpected Highlights and MVP
Among the more inventive sketches was “Bowen’s Straight,” a playful reversal of expectations with Bowen Yang and Sydney Sweeney engaging in a comedic exploration of sexuality and attraction. This sketch, alongside Sweeney’s various roles throughout the night, underscored her willingness to engage with SNL’s comedic range, from the absurd to the satirical.
Chloe Fineman emerged as the MVP of the night, showcasing her comedic versatility alongside Sweeney, especially in sketches that played to their strengths, such as the “intern detectives” bit. Their chemistry highlighted the potential for dynamic interactions between hosts and cast members, elevating the overall comedic quality of the episode.
Cutest Skit of the Night
Wrapping Up
Sydney Sweeney’s SNL hosting debut navigated the fine line between embracing and subverting expectations. While some sketches fell into predictable territory, others showcased her comedic range and willingness to engage with SNL’s brand of humor. As SNL continues to invite hosts from diverse backgrounds and public perceptions, the challenge remains to fully utilize their talents beyond surface-level characteristics, offering both hosts and viewers a richer, more varied comedic experience.
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Tags: Sydney Sweeney, SNL, comedy, sketches, Chloe Fineman, Bowen Yang, Airbnb, pop culture
