‘SNL’ Sees Glen Powell‘s Charismatic Debut, MacGruber‘s Chaotic Return in Epstein-Focused Episode
New York, NY – Saturday Night Live delivered a politically charged episode this weekend, featuring a charming debut from actor Glen powell adn a predictably destructive return from Will Forte’s MacGruber, all while tackling headlines surrounding the release of Jeffrey Epstein’s flight logs and the ongoing government shutdown. The episode, notable for foregoing its usual guest segment in favor of extended “Weekend Update” bits, drew attention for its pointed humor and unexpected character appearances.
The episode’s impact extends beyond typical late-night entertainment, tapping into current national conversations about political figures implicated in the Epstein case and the economic anxieties stemming from potential prolonged government instability. Powell’s performance is expected to boost his profile following the success of Anyone But You, while MacGruber’s appearance offered a darkly comedic commentary on the handling of sensitive details. The show’s decision to focus on these topics signals a willingness to engage directly with complex and controversial issues, potentially influencing public discourse and shaping perceptions of key events.
Powell, hosting for the first time, showcased his comedic timing and affable persona throughout the night, appearing in sketches that parodied romantic comedies and explored his leading-man image. Though, the episode’s most talked-about moments originated from “Weekend Update.” Colin jost and Michael Che delivered a segment featuring a joke referencing a rumor involving former Presidents Trump and Bill Clinton, eliciting a visibly overwhelmed reaction from Jost.
The segment also included a well-received joke about the U.S. Mint’s consideration of ending penny production, with Che quipping, “Makes no cents!” But the most disruptive moment came with the unexpected reappearance of MacGruber, played by Forte, who was tasked with destroying the recently released Jeffrey Epstein flight logs. In classic MacGruber fashion, the mission devolved into chaos, culminating in a spliced audio punchline that left Jost struggling to regain composure. The sketch served as a satirical commentary on the potential mishandling of crucial evidence in the Epstein case.
