Saturday Night Live has been an outlet of comic relief for millions of Americans since 1975. Each week, over seven million viewers tune in to NBC to watch the sketches and have a good laugh. However, in recent years, the show has increasingly revealed its political bias, particularly in the opening sketch or cold open. This is shown through the portrayal of certain political figures, and it is discernibly clear that SNL favors a left leaning point of view, much like most mainstream media.

Despite your political opinion, whether you happen to agree with SNL’s views or not, it is indisputably annoying when your Saturday night comic show becomes just another political conversation. All week, we must endure the unpleasant topic of today’s government – why should our night-time television be tainted by it as well?

In addition to a politically saturated cold open, Saturday Night Live is notorious for its hilarious, although often politicized, “Weekly Update.” This sketch is a mock news show, often satirical and “fluff” news. However, the subject of politics is often, if not always, addressed. Most weeks, it is used to bash Trump, his administration, or simply any Republican politician.

One of SNL’s youngest and most controversial cast members, Pete Davidson, came under fire in November 2018 for his insensitive comments during one particular “Weekend Update” called “Pete Davidson’s First Impressions of Midterm Candidates.” During the skit, Davidson insulted Republican congressional candidate Lieutenant Commander Dan Crenshaw, a former Navy SEAL who lost his eye while fighting the war in Afghanistan. Davidson’s cruel joke made bold headlines the following morning. The two have since made amends, although, many former fans of Davidson were disturbed by his insensitive comments.

Similar skits during “Weekend Update” where Davidson insulted Republicans include “Pete Davidson’s First Impressions of Trump’s Cabinet Picks” and “Pete Davidson’s First Impressions of Members of the Trump Administration.” While some find these skits amusing and indulgent, many have responded negatively to the strong anti-Republican rhetoric.

According to an informal survey of students and faculty at LHS, 30% of Saturday Night Live viewers feel that the political jokes on the show are funny, although, there is a definitive bias toward the liberal point of view. Of those surveyed, 70% feel that the political jokes are annoying, do not belong on the show, and are clearly extremely partial. All those surveyed agreed that the show does not attempt to hide its prejudice, commonly tormenting President Trump.

While occasional political jokes are funny and harmless, Saturday Night Live has recently taken it to the point of overkill. Frankly, I do not care if this governor or that senator recently made a controversial comment. It is my Saturday night, and I just want to laugh, not be put to sleep by a clearly biased political skit.