Describing a Communication Phenomenon: Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live (SNL) continues to attract audiences from all over the country by producing numerous comedic sketches; often mocking contemporary society, people, and trends. Late night shows seem to be a favorite among Americans (Heller). Saturday Night Live in particular, has cultivated into becoming not only a comedic late night show, but also an iconic cultural phenomenon. From its consistent popularity, the addressing of controversial issues, and its connection to the audience, SNL has transformed what Americans see and feel on television, despite possibly offending major groups of people.
SNL is a late night television program that has been on air for 36 years, but is
…show more content…
unique to itself with its sketch comedy and variety show qualities. The basic structure includes various segments that are unique to SNL and are not found on any other late night show. These segments occupy the two hour air time beginning at 11:35pm on Saturday nights. Some segments include: The Weekend Update (pokes fun at popular news stories), parody commercials, and even sketches that mock politicians or celebrities. Because SNL offers a variety of topics in its sketches and hosts celebrities, it captures a variety of viewers. SNL is the only late night show that offers these segments, but like the others, SNL is a satire that mocks current news, societal trends, and people. Nearly all comedic late night shows connect with society by discussing current trends, phenomenons, and movements through a comedic manner, including SNL.
Underneath all the humor, “SNL addresses topical issues, and in doing so, touches upon iconic movements and ideas that are either concurrent to or have had enduring effects on the population during the show’s run” (Adegboro). Despite simply being a “funny” show, SNL, at its core is a satire. It has had the power to discuss, mock, and touch on controversial or iconic movements in history. From the election of the first Black president, to the obsession of 50 Shades of Grey, SNL has discussed a variety of topics in a comedic, but sometimes controversial …show more content…
manner. One of the most well-known sketches is from the 2008 presidential election that includes a mock of the interview of Katie Couric and Sarah Palin. The sketch was important and influential to the show, as well as its audience. For one thing, it stole audiences’ attention because it was relevant in their lives. On the contrary, the sketch received a lot of skepticism because many believe it influenced the outcome of the 2008 presidential election (Adegboro). The skit made Sarah Palin appear to be “stupid” and gave the impression that she shouldn’t be trusted holding an office position for the federal government. Moreover, through this example, one can see how SNL has become a communication phenomenon in recent decades. “Saturday Night Live is more than a television show… [it is] a trendsetter in American humor...music, politics, and even fashion” (Adegboro). It affects the opinions people make on the issues being presented, proving how influential the program really is. The manner in which SNL is presented (mocking, shaming, or joking) is controversial, which is what gets people talking about the show and making it a phenomenon.“Ideas, people, and periods of time become iconic when they evoke personal reactions and associations often of a powerful kind, sometimes positive, sometimes negative” (Adegboro).
Attitudes towards the show make it a phenomenon. This constant questioning of the motives of the show, evoke conversations amongst people, for good and bad. Because of this, many argue that “SNL eventually became ‘the talk of television’ and transformed into a legendary network program” (Adegboro). This is interesting because SNL teases many people of authority in the country (e.g. politicians, newscasters, journalists, celebrities, etc.) yet still stays popular in spite of possibly offending its
audience. Despite the controversy it has received, SNL has grown in popularity amongst the American public. “For the past three decades, no show's reputation has been quite as volatile as SNL's, or quite as famously beside the point. At 36, the late-night comedy special seems virtually inviolable in its time slot, even as it churns out humor that's notoriously hit-or-miss” (Heller). Because the show keeps ups with the rapidly changing trends in society and performs sketches on controversial current issues, it relates to its audience and keeps its viewers watching. It is clear, that despite being on air for more than three decades, SNL has not lost its popularity, and is in fact still a communication phenomenon today. SNL has become not only a witty late night show, but also a cultural phenomenon through its lasting popularity, attempts to address controversial issues, and its connection to current society. In all, Saturday Night Live has become an icon in late night television, regardless of the mocking and teasing in which they deliver news in.
Rebecca Krefting (2014), “an Associate Professor of American Studies, affiliate faculty to Gender Studies, and Director of the Media and Film Studies Program” (Skidmore), wrote an article called “Making Connections.” Krefting (2014) explains the connections between comedy and people, listing the reasons the world can build “Cultural Citizenship” through “charged humor” (p. 17-18)
Comedian Jon Stewart gives a speech on the Daily Show during the “Rally to Restore Sanity/Fear”. He wants the viewers of the Daily Show to realize the difference between the real and fake threats and to take a humorous perspective on most of America’s “problems”. Stewart also emphasizes to his audience not to take every person on the media by his word and not to overreact to everything they hear. He uses metaphors, comparisons, and hypothetical examples to get his point across.
Younger generations and the more vulnerable in society can be influenced in avoiding peer pressure, but for the individuals filled with wisdom, the shows can reflect based on American modern society. Everybody Loves Raymond and Full House are great shows who faces similar life obstacles a typical person living in the US has today. As a result, most modern family comedy sit-coms are reflecting our society’s generations and the more vulnerable. Based on the success of early family sit coms, American’s adapted to a fast pace lifestyle with the help of modern
For example, the comedy shows The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon expresses satirical humor concerning politics. His show also demonstrates political satire by telling jokes and even impersonating political figures for the audience. He creates humor through sarcasm that focuses on real issues. His sarcastic humor causes others to feel more confident in their criticism toward politicians. For example, “Jimmy Fallon expresses his humor about Donald Trump, impersonating his appearance and imitating his voice while talking about politics. He uses his humor by impersonating Donald Trump and his sweeping generalizations with Madea (Rogo).” Jimmy Fallon shows people his views through humor and it creates a sense of community to express their agreeable and disagreeable views. As we discussed some ideas about satirical humor that affects political changes, it was important to reveal their feelings about changes in life and drove them to look upon their society or government more
The Impact of African-American Sitcoms on America's Culture Since its start, the television industry has been criticized for perpetuating myths and stereotypes about African-Americans through characterizations, story lines, and plots. The situation comedy has been the area that has seemed to draw the most criticism, analysis, and disapproval for stereotyping. From Sanford and Son and The Jefferson’s in the 1970s to The Cosby Show (1984) and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in the 1990s, sitcoms featuring black casts and characters have always been controversial. However, their significance upon our American culture cannot be disregarded.
“Oh my God, they killed Kenny!” South Park is an adult cartoon that circles around the abnormal life of four boys living in Colorado. This hilarious animated television series strives to be the most controversial show on air. The series has been on air since August 13, 1997 and while the show seems ridiculous, it is commonly known for incorporating high and low culture within the show. South Park has been known to take current issues from today’s society and convert them into a more simplified version while transforming it into satire.
Since television came into existence, it has evolved into a useful tool to spread ideas, both social and political, and has had a great effect on the generations growing up with these heavily influential shows. To these younger generations, television has taken the role of a teacher, with the task of creating a social construction by which many of us base our personal beliefs and judgments on. This power allows television shows take the opportunity to address problems in a manner that many audiences can take to heart. Many television shows present controversial topics in a comical matter, in some ways to soften the blow of hard-hitting reality at the same time bringing attention to the issue being addressed. In the television show, Everybody Hates Chris, season one, episode four entitled “Everybody Hates Sausage”, the stereotypes that continue to fuel racism are examined in a satirical motif, and class is presented in a comical way, but carries serious undertones which present a somewhat realistic view of the different social strata within the United States.
NBC network’s The Office is definitely a show that a lot of youth watch nowadays or well, used to at the least. Some people are amused by the show’s style of humour, however many are not so entertained. Personally, I find that the style of humour in this particular show is used to depict hegemonic relationships and stereotypes that exist in modern culture. Thus, for this specific reason, I will attempt to apply and analyze the theme of cultural hegemony to The Office.
Humor is an intriguing aspect of our life that makes us happy when we are sad, and keeps us upbeat when with friends. The title that I chose was the Broadway performance from Will Ferrell in Will Ferrell: You 're Welcome America. A Final Night with George W. Bush. Will Ferrell portrays the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush, as he reflects on a variety of incidents and occurrences that happened while serving the United States from 2001-2009. The humor speaks primarily to people who are politically savvy and especially know the major points in Bush’s presidency. Ferrell highlights key points such as Hurricane Katrina, the 2000 Presidential election, and the inauguration of President Barack Obama. In “You 're Welcome America,” the target audience is political savvy individuals who are well informed with politics and followed the Bush presidency closely. The humor most associated with this material is stand-up comedy, and irony with a few political jokes smashed in between, with Will Ferrell proving his worth cracking jokes as the wiseass George W. Bush. Overall, I find this comedy to be hilarious, while others struggle with many of the jokes because the audience needs to be “in the know” with
"Seinfeld" was always present in my home during its nine-year run on Thursday nights as "Must See TV," and the social commentary was welcome humor. However, not everyone was thrilled by Seinfeld's prominence in American society and the subject matter with which Seinfeld dealt. Many Christians, Jews and other minorities had problems with the show's portrayal of their respective groups. Despite criticism from ethnic and religious groups, Jerry Seinfeld and his show were possibly the best sources of social commentary that America's mainstream had to offer. The show is missed in today's current television line-up and no post-"Seinfeld" sitcom has come to the same level of cultural criticism.
Popular culture also plays a role in why Americans do not trust politicians. Late-night television shows use politicians in their comedy skits, where their mistakes are punch lines for comedians. A study produced by Jody Baumgartner and Jonathan Morris found that people who view late-night television shows have a more negative view of candidates, (Medvic p. 5). In particular, people who view The Daily Show have drastically less faith in the electoral process, (Medvic p. 5). Russell Peterson argues that these jokes as “implicitly anti-democratic” because they declare the entire system as fraudulent, (Medvic p. 5).
With the turn of the century, society and technology evolved and so did the minstrel shows. The introduction of the television gave the shows a new platform to broadcast their content to more american audiences. While not as harsh as the shows in the 19th century’s shows, the modern minstrel shows were “vestiges of their racial stereotyping and performances aesthetics persisted for decades in various performance mediums. ” (7). The show 's popularity forged a strong foundation for careers in the entertainment industry for African Americans. African Americans often could find great success in pursuing musical, or comedic careers following the minstrel shows. And as the shows finally died out, this underlying principle stayed true as the United States progressed. The minstrel shows facilitated African Americans into many forms of the entertainment as various performers. The shows play a major role in developing the comedic basis for African American entertainers even today. As referred to in the modern day , “Black Comedy” is extremely favored by the populus. Famous black comedian Dave Chappelle, once played a role as a “racial pixie”. Chappelle performed as a oddly dressed pixie on the shoulders of African Americans and sang, danced, and encouraged the individual to given into the stereotypes of society (4). Perhaps what disturbed Chappelle the most was the
James Conroy argues that laughter in serious topics has been regarded through the ages as dangerous, deviant, and subversive; yet equally as refreshing, challenging, and constructive. Political humor is extensively used in almost all countries, but political satire is perceived differently from one country to another. The research question is as follows: what factors make political satire an effective tool that affects politics and policy? I argue that humor is more influential when blended with serious topics, such as international relations or politics. Laughter is a great means to put serious topics under the lenses of critical thinking. The use of humor, and political satire specifically can bring about serious political change. Humor can play all sorts of roles in the political process through being informative, educational and influential while keeping its captive entertaining
Television comedies have been on the air for decades, and throughout this time many different shows have come and gone. Due to the dominance of these shows, comedies are one of the biggest draws on television. There are many different types of comedies, each with their own unique characteristics and features that differentiate them from others and lead to their popularity. Whether the show is a sketch comedy, sitcom, mockumentary or dramatic comedy, each utilizes different types of humour, locations, themes, and situations to appeal to the audience; which is likely why they are so popular today.
Humor has been the source of entertainment throughout history. Today humor is practiced in movies, plays, songs, television shows and radio. Humor has brought fame and fortune to those who have mastered its power.