In a recent segment of Saturday Night Live (SNL), Alec Baldwin faced significant ridicule for what many viewers deemed a “lousy” impersonation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This sketch was part of SNL’s ongoing political satire, which focused on the cabinet picks of President-elect Donald Trump. However, audience reception suggests that the show’s humor, particularly in its political commentary, has waned significantly. Many believe it has become too politicized and partisan, especially given that the 2024 elections resulted in a decisive Republican victory nationwide, leading to a broader sentiment among Americans that they are disenchanted with “woke” culture and its accompanying narratives around virtue signaling and cancel culture.
Despite the changing political landscape and apparent viewer fatigue with the show’s content, SNL chose to feature Baldwin and a lineup of prominent actors impersonating key political figures. Among these were James Austin Johnson as Trump and Dana Carvey as President Joe Biden. Baldwin, in his portrayal of Kennedy Jr., made several allusions to the politician’s past claims regarding his health, including an incident involving a dead worm found in his brain. He further mocked Kennedy’s stance on women’s reproductive rights by linking it to absurd claims about polio, a choice of material that ultimately landed with a thud among audiences.
The backlash against Baldwin’s performance was swift and harsh. Social media platforms lit up with criticism, with users expressing outrage over Baldwin’s inclusion in the skit, particularly in light of his controversial past. His involvement in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film “Rust” loomed large in public perception, fueling the frustration that many viewers expressed about his return to the SNL stage. Comments reflected a range of sentiments, from outright condemnation of Baldwin for his past actions, to disappointment over what they perceived as a lackluster portrayal of Kennedy Jr.
Critics pointed out that SNL seemed to have resorted to using Baldwin as a crutch, calling his performance lazy and unoriginal, and suggesting that the show had lost its creative edge. Several social media users criticized SNL’s decision to bring Baldwin back amidst his legal troubles and the tragic circumstances surrounding Hutchins’ death, arguing that it reflected poorly on both Baldwin and the show. This sentiment resonated broadly, as many viewers felt that such choices were less about finding humor and more about shock value, indicating a disconnection between SNL’s offerings and audience expectations.
The outrage wasn’t solely about Baldwin’s past, but also about the quality of the content itself. Comments from viewers highlighted a perceived decline in the standard of comedy coming from the show, with many suggesting that Baldwin’s impersonation lacked creativity and depth. People expressed frustration that SNL appears to be grasping for relevance and eliciting laughs through controversy, rather than through inventive humor. The collective feedback underscored a growing rift between SNL’s political focus and the evolving tastes of its audience, highlighting a larger conversation about the role of comedy in political discourse.
Adding to the complexity of Baldwin’s return to SNL is the recent legal context; just months prior to his appearance, a judge had dismissed the manslaughter charges against him, which added another layer of scrutiny to his portrayal of Kennedy Jr. Notably, the incident reinforced feelings for many viewers that Baldwin, who has been associated with the tragic death of Hutchins, should not be celebrated in comedic contexts. As public sentiment indicates, many question whether Baldwin and SNL can reclaim their standing in the realm of public opinion after a series of divisive events and performances that have left audiences divided and unimpressed.
