Saturday Night Live Season 49 Episode 20 Recap

The season finale of "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) Season 49, Episode 20, aired on May 18, 2024, and featured Jake Gyllenhaal as the host with musical guest Sabrina Carpenter. This episode brought a mix of political satire, comedic sketches, and musical performances, wrapping up the season with a blend of humor and entertainment.

Highlights of the Episode

Cold Open: "Summer of Trump"

The episode kicked off with a political cold open titled "Summer of Trump," featuring James Austin Johnson's well-executed impersonation of Donald Trump. The sketch garnered significant attention with 282K views, though it didn't offer much new insight into the political landscape.

Jake Gyllenhaal's Monologue

Jake Gyllenhaal took the stage for his monologue, which received 106K views. Gyllenhaal, known for his roles in the "Road House" remake and the "Presumed Innocent" miniseries, brought enthusiasm and charm to the show, despite some critiques about the writing quality.

Weekend Update

The "Weekend Update" segment, a staple of SNL, covered a range of topics including the Trump vs. Biden debate and comments on Marjorie Taylor Greene. This segment was particularly popular, amassing 160K views.

Notable Sketches

"Scooby-Doo"

One of the standout sketches was a parody of "Scooby-Doo," which brought a nostalgic yet humorous twist to the classic cartoon.

"Dad Has a Cookie"

Another memorable sketch was "Dad Has a Cookie," which played on family dynamics and the simple joys of life.

"Beautiful Girls"

The "Beautiful Girls" sketch added a comedic take on societal standards and beauty expectations.

"Fast Fashion Ad"

The "Fast Fashion Ad" sketch humorously critiqued the fast fashion industry, highlighting its environmental and ethical issues.

"Canceling a Flight"

"Canceling a Flight" brought laughs with its relatable take on the frustrations of modern air travel.

"NYPD Press Conference"

The "NYPD Press Conference" sketch added a satirical edge to the episode, poking fun at law enforcement press briefings.

Musical Performances

Sabrina Carpenter graced the stage with her musical performances, adding a melodic touch to the evening. Her performances were well-received and added a dynamic element to the show.

Season Recap and Commentary

The season had its highs and lows, with notable hosts like Ryan Gosling and Kristen Wiig delivering memorable episodes. However, it also faced controversies, such as the one surrounding Shane Gillis. The finale, while uneven, provided a fitting end to a season filled with both laughter and challenges.

Viewer Engagement

The official YouTube channel for "Saturday Night Live" boasts 14.4 million subscribers and 8.7 thousand videos, featuring a variety of content including favorite sketches, behind-the-scenes clips, and web exclusives. Recent uploads from this episode, such as the "Summer of Trump Cold Open" and "Jake Gyllenhaal Monologue," have garnered significant views, indicating strong audience engagement.

Conclusion

Season 49 of "Saturday Night Live" concluded with a mix of humor, political satire, and musical performances. Jake Gyllenhaal's hosting, combined with Sabrina Carpenter's musical talent, provided a memorable end to the season. As always, SNL continues to be a staple of late-night television, offering a blend of comedy and cultural commentary.