‘Saturday Night Live’ Tackles Columbia Protests with Mixed Reception

The sketch comedy show’s recent episode focused on parental perspectives on university protests, sparking discussions on its approach to sensitive topics.

SNL’s recent episode featured a cold open with parents reacting to Columbia University protests, highlighting the tension between supporting activism and parental concerns.
Critics argue the sketch failed to effectively address the complexities of the Israel-Gaza conflict, reflecting broader struggles with politically sensitive material.
Kenan Thompson’s portrayal of a conflicted parent received mixed reviews, with some praising his delivery and others criticizing the shallow treatment of serious issues.
The episode also touched on high tuition costs and the impact of protests on university operations, including potential graduation cancellations.
Overall, SNL’s attempt to satirize current events was seen as an effort to balance humor with commentary, but it fell short for some viewers.

The Hollywood Reporter

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