Sorry, Donald Trump. “Saturday Night Live” is winning! The long-running comedy show has been on a tear in terms of views since the recent election cycle and its aftermath. The ratings are nowhere near down the tubes, and it's one of the most watched and talked about shows, period. And ever since Donald Trump and his administration came on the scene, the hit NBC show has seen an increase in popularity, to the point that there are now talks of giving Colin Jost and Michael Che’s “Weekend Update” segment a primetime spot next season. With viewership up an impressive 22 percent, “SNL” ranked right behind “The Big Bang Theory” as the highest-rated program.
Since its inception, “Saturday Night Live” has parodied presidents and presidential candidates. Chevy Chase played a clumsy Gerald Ford and Tina Fey discredited Sarah Palin in the minds of viewers by over-exaggerating the former governor’s folksiness and flaws. But never before has the talented cast been afforded so much material to work with due to the curious behavior of Trump and his administration.
Are the not-so-ready-for primetime players ready for primetime?
Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler first brought “Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update” to primetime in October 2008 in the weeks leading up to the presidential race between John McCain and Barack Obama. Jost and Che also covered the Republican National Convention with their special brand of humor.
Season 42 may be one for the record books
The current season of NBC's comedy gem has brought in fan favorites like Dana Carvey, reprising his Church Lady character, Alec Baldwin as Trump, and Melissa McCarthy’s recent performance as press secretary Sean Spicer is still a top conversation topic. Now, there is word that Rosie O’Donnell is willing to offer her services by playing the part of White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon.
Considering the long-standing feud between O’Donnell and Trump, this may cause him to break a tweeting record, and the news of the show's success won’t make the president happy, either, unless this is fake news.
