Saturday Night Live Season 49 Recap and Highlights

The 49th season of “Saturday Night Live” concluded on May 18, setting the stage for the show’s upcoming 50th anniversary. Despite mixed reviews, the season included several memorable sketches and notable guest appearances.

One standout was the biannual “Weekend Update” joke swap between hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che, known for its unexpected and often shocking jokes. In the finale, Che tricked Jost into making a joke about his wife, Scarlett Johansson, which led to an amusing moment of discomfort for Jost.

Ryan Gosling and Mikey Day garnered attention with their portrayal of Beavis and Butt-Head in a sketch that lampooned a political debate. This sketch even influenced real-life events, with the duo donning their Beavis and Butt-Head costumes for a red-carpet appearance.

Jake Gyllenhaal’s hosting appearance featured highlights such as the “Beautiful Girls” musical number and the “NYPD Press Conference” sketch, which paid tribute to American character actors.

Kristen Wiig also made a mark with the “Jumanji” sketch, evoking 90s nostalgia. Meanwhile, Scarlett Johansson portrayed Senator Katie Britt in a “State of the Union” cold open, capturing the politician’s distinctive persona.

Other notable sketches included “Fast Fashion Ad,” criticizing the practices of brands like Shein, and “Washington’s Dream,” featuring Nate Bargatze as George Washington.

Season 49 might have received mixed reviews, but it certainly had its moments, setting a promising stage for the 50th anniversary season.