Saturday Night Live: Season 46 in review
Saturday Night Live season 46 episode 10: “John Krasinski/Machine Gun Kelly”
SNL returned from the holiday hiatus with a solid episode hosted by sitcom-star-turned-action-star John Krasinski. There were, of course, a few Office references peppered into the episode, but more the most part it was a pretty normal SNL. “Pandemic Game Night” is another sketch that will someday serve as a perfect reminder of what the country was like in 2021, and “Super Market Sweep” was another great duo piece for Kate McKinnon and Aidy Bryant.
Most memorable sketch: The only option here was “Ratatouille,” one of the weirdest sketches SNL performed all season.
Saturday Night Live season 46 episode 11: “Dan Levy/Phoebe Bridgers“
The Schitt’s Creek mania – that hit its peak right after the popular sitcom swept the Emmy’s in September – had finally died down, but Dan Levy still managed to bring electric energy with him to Studio 8H. The whole cast was clearly having a wonderful time filming this episode, and when the cast is happy, it makes a huge difference.
Most memorable sketch: “Hot Damn” is a perfect example of the energy I’ve been talking about. This sketch is goofy and ridiculous, but everyone performing it is clearly having the time of their life.
Saturday Night Live season 46 episode 12: “Regina King/Nathaniel Rateliff“
I didn’t find many of the sketches in this episode particularly memorable, but the SNL cast is talented and likable enough that the show is still enjoyable even when the writing isn’t at its best. Some standout moments included Aidy Bryant playing Ted Cruz for the first time and Melissa Villaseñor as Marge Simpson/the Devil in a wild “Weed Gummy” sketch.
Most memorable sketch: “Pelotaunt” is a solid commercial parody, but the best part of this sketch is just getting to imagine the SNL cast as actual Peloton instructors.
Saturday Night Live season 46 episode 13: “Regé-Jean Page/Bad Bunny“
Many of this season’s hosts were supposed to have done the show much earlier, but their appearances were pushed back due to the pandemic. On the other hand, Page was an extremely timely choice, as he came on the show right at the height of Bridgerton‘s popularity. The writers were clearly excited to work with him, which was perhaps the strongest episode of the season.
Most memorable sketch: This episode was full of music and pop culture references, and “Driver’s License” was the best instance of both.
Saturday Night Live season 46 episode 14: “Nick Jonas“
Nick Jonas was the first and only person to pull double duty as the host and the musical guest this season. The episode was chock full of weird sketches, from slightly strange ones like “Amusement Park” to truly bonkers ones like “Mirror Workout” and “Post-COVID Dating.”
Most memorable sketch: The best and most memorable sketch of the show, however, was “Bachelor Party.” This song is equal parts charming and off-the-walls, and the music is pretty bumping too.