Saturday Night Live: 5 Weekend Update characters best suited for the remote episode

Weekend Update will be a big part of Saturday Night Live’s remote episode and these five characters could help.

Saturday Night Live will make its long-awaited return from hiatus this weekend. A special remote episode has been put together and “Weekend Update” is expected to play a large part of the show.

Fans haven’t seen anything from Studio 8H since March 7. A scheduled two-week break was extended by social distancing guidelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But now SNL is joining the rest of late night and bringing an “at-home” edition of the show to NBC on April 11.

It will be very interesting to see how SNL pulls off a remote episode. After 45 seasons of putting together a live sketch show one week at a time, it’s hard to imagine any challenge too difficult for the cast and crew. But then again, this is unlike anything else SNL has attempted.

Reports are that “Weekend Update” will be a big factor in what the show does. That means the pressure will be on co-anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che. To share some of that burden, “Weekend Update” could call on some fan-favorite characters.

With that in mind, here are five characters that are best suited for this unique edition of “Weekend Update.” These characters require minimal hair and make-up and also have a lot of possibilities when it comes to discussing the world of social distancing and quarantining.

5. Willie

In uncertain times, who better to turn to than Kenan Thompson? As the longest-tenured cast member in Saturday Night Live history Thompson has seen it all. The show would be wise to turn to the veteran to help carry some of the burdens of this week’s episode.

And while Thompson has a number of “Weekend Update” characters on his resume, playing Michael Che’s neighbor Willie would make sense on Saturday. Willie, like Thompson, has seen it all and then some. Che’s neighbor probably has a lot to say about what life is like in New York City right now and how it compares to his long, often turbulent, life.

4. Chien Biao

Any comedy that is using the novel coronavirus for material can be tricky. Saturday Night Live took things head-on in its last episode hosted by Daniel Craig. But that was a much different time even if it was only a month ago.

Yet if any show can walk that fine line, it is Saturday Night Live. And on “Weekend Update,” the show can bring on the one character who has directly discussed the topic in Bowen Yang’s Chien Biao.

When the above bit aired, Yang took to Instagram to comment on the challenges he faced in bring Chien on to talk about the pandemic. He likely would have to exercise the same caution in doing it again but both he and the writers seem to have figured out how to do it.

3. Judge Jeanine

Colin Jost would be safe from any projectile vomit if Saturday Night Live asks Cecily Strong to reprise her take on Fox News personality Judge Jeanine Pirro. Working remotely would ensure she’s a safe distance away from the “Weekend Update” host.

Fans can be sure that SNL will have something to say about Fox News and its hosts. The network has been harshly criticized for its coverage of COVID-19 that has seemed to shift along with President Trump’s message.

Strong’s version of Pirro has become very popular and her appearance can be replicated without a full crew. And with plenty of people indulging in an extra glass of wine or two in quarantine, maybe Strong’s Judge Jeanine is more relatable than ever.

2. Cathy Ann

Cecily Strong is too talented and has too many characters to only appear once on this list. And while “The Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started a Conversation with at a Party” is an option, these bizarre times call for the bizarre Cathy Ann.

Cathy Ann typically has her finger on the pulse of every conspiracy theory and questionable Facebook posts in circulation. Quarantine in New York City may mean she’s spending less time screaming outside Michael Che’s window and more time inside. She likely would have a lot to say about the government’s handling of the pandemic and be eager to be out in front of a captive audience.

1. Pete Davidson

If Saturday Night Live wants a “Weekend Update” character that needs little-to-no production, then look no further than Pete Davidson. Hits at the “Update” desk are his specialty and the remote episode of SNL could be his chance to shine.

Davidson has been very open about his living arrangement as demonstrated in the clip above. It would be entertaining to get an update on his life now that everyone is confined to the house with nowhere to go.

Davidson has been periodically absent from SNL for one reason or another. He’s also made a headline or two outside of the show this season. But he still has a very strong and dedicated group of fans who are always excited to hear his unique perspective on current events.

Which of these five characters would you want to see the most on “Weekend Update?” What about those that didn’t make the list? Let us know in the comment section and keep checking Last Night On for more from Saturday Night Live.