My obsession with “Saturday Night Live” started in high school, which I can attribute to my best friends. As teenagers, we loved to get together after school, or even during it, to act out a funny skit. While many adults complain that the recent seasons do not come close to the classic sketches and actors of the past, the show remains successful. In my opinion, “SNL” is an amusing and effective way of informing the public, especially younger generations, about current events and trends. While I continually attempt to stay updated with the happenings of daily life, I am busy. Relaxing after a test and watching the past weekends’ “SNL” is an informative, yet hilarious, form of entertainment.
The talented actors of “SNL” always start off an episode in some sort of political sketch. The past couple of weeks have been dedicated to the televised debates of potential presidential candidates. While the portrayals of these contenders may be biased, none are safe. Each is openly picked apart and ridiculed. For the many preoccupied high school and college students, it is more common to watch this hour-long television show over reading the dull and dry news.
While I am not proclaiming that I get all my political knowledge from “SNL,” it definitely sparks my interest. I use the skits from this show to peak my curiosity and prompt further research of certain subjects. Herman Cain, played by Kenan Thompson, stumbling over his sexual harassment allegations is only more humorous after fully understanding the situation. Rick Perry’s recent failure to recollect one of the three departments of government he “plans” to axe as president is only made more excruciatingly painful when played by Bill Hader. Obviously the show generates much response that can directly affect the candidates. The way the show portrays these men can cause the public to find them completely unfit to lead our country. This was proven effective during Sarah Palin’s campaign for Vice President, in which the candidate actually took time from the run for office to make
an appearance on the show.
The show jests with the more inane scandals, such as Kim Kardashian’s divorce, to the most serious, such as Joe Paterno’s dismissal. Regardless of the importance of newsworthy conduct, “SNL” chronicles the top stories in an absorbing fashion. If you agree, post your favorite skits or episodes in the comments section below! Enjoy my personal favorite (the most recent installment of “Garth and Kat”) here.