Tom Hanks Sparks Controversy with MAGA Character on SNL 50th Anniversary Special

Image credits: Chris Haston/NBC

The 50th-anniversary special of Saturday Night Live (SNL) featured a plethora of notable guests, including Tom Hanks, who reprised his character Doug, a MAGA supporter, in a sketch titled "Black Jeopardy." The character, which was first introduced in 2016, is a satirical portrayal of a Trump supporter, and its return sparked controversy among some viewers. Hanks's character was part of a game show hosted by Kenan Thompson, where he answered questions correctly despite not being part of the show's demographic. The sketch was intended to be humorous, but some Trump supporters took to social media to express their outrage, claiming that the character is a racist stereotype.

During the sketch, Hanks's character hesitated to shake hands with Thompson's character, Darnell Hayes, before eventually caving in. This gesture was seen as a reference to the perceived racism of some Trump supporters. The character also suggested starting a new game show called "White Jeopardy," which was met with resistance from Thompson's character. The controversy surrounding Hanks's character is not new, as the actor has faced criticism in the past for his portrayal of Trump supporters. However, the reprisal of the character on the 50th-anniversary special sparked renewed outrage, with some viewers claiming that the sketch was outdated and perpetuated negative stereotypes.

The controversy surrounding Hanks's character is a testament to the divisive nature of politics in the United States. While some viewers found the sketch to be humorous and thought-provoking, others saw it as a perpetuation of negative stereotypes. The sketch also highlights the complexity of satire, which can be subjective and open to interpretation. What one person finds funny, another person may find offensive. The controversy surrounding Hanks's character is a reminder that comedy can be a powerful tool for social commentary, but it can also be a double-edged sword, capable of both entertaining and offending audiences.

In addition to the controversy surrounding Hanks's character, the 50th-anniversary special featured a number of other notable sketches, including a performance by Meryl Streep in the recurring "Close Encounters" sketch. The special also featured a number of other notable guests, including Eddie Murphy, Tracy Morgan, and Leslie Jones, who appeared in a sketch titled "Black Jeopardy" alongside Hanks. The special was a celebration of the show's 50-year history, and it featured a number of references to past sketches and characters. The special was also notable for its technical achievements, including the use of advanced lighting and sound effects to create a unique and immersive viewing experience.

Some of the key features of the SNL 50th-anniversary special include: * A star-studded cast of guests, including Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and Eddie Murphy * A number of notable sketches, including "Black Jeopardy" and "Close Encounters" * A celebration of the show's 50-year history, featuring references to past sketches and characters * Advanced technical effects, including lighting and sound effects * A unique and immersive viewing experience, featuring a number of surprises and twists. The special was a testament to the enduring power of SNL, which has been a staple of American comedy for 50 years. Despite the controversy surrounding Hanks's character, the special was a success, and it featured a number of memorable moments that will be remembered for years to come.