Saturday Night Live delivered a lively episode on December 9, 2023, featuring Josh O’Connor as host and Lily Allen as the musical guest. The show blended humor and music, providing a creative take on contemporary topics while showcasing the cast’s vocal talents.
O’Connor’s Humorous Monologue
O’Connor, known for his roles in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Story and The Crown, opened the show with an engaging monologue. He shared an amusing anecdote about how his casual mention of Ratatouille as a favorite film sparked a fervent public demand for him to portray Alfredo Linguini in a live-action adaptation. The actor humorously recounted how persistent fans led to an official statement from Disney categorically denying the project. O’Connor’s delivery resonated with the audience, highlighting his comedic timing.
Musical Weekend Update and Sketch Highlights
The Weekend Update segment was particularly memorable, featuring cast member Jane Wickline alongside anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che. Wickline performed a satirical song addressing the looming concern of older actors being overshadowed by the young stars of Stranger Things. With playful references to the show’s cast, she humorously suggested that seasoned actors should brace for replacement by the talented youth as the show’s popularity wanes.
Another standout sketch parodied Spotify’s annual recap, reimagined as a humorous look back at the cast’s spending on Uber Eats. The characters faced the reality of their food delivery habits, which provided relatable laughs as they were confronted with the total amounts spent on fast food over the year.
Additionally, SNL crafted its own version of Variety‘s popular Actors on Actors series with a sketch titled Characters on Characters. Classic Christmas figures, including Tiny Tim and the Little Drummer Boy, engaged in witty exchanges that blended nostalgia with humor. The interactions offered a lighthearted take on the holiday season while connecting iconic characters from various narratives.
The episode had a mix of hits and misses, showcasing the cast’s ability to blend musical elements with comedic sketches. While much of the content embraced a festive spirit, some segments, such as an awkward brunch number where characters sang their innermost thoughts, received mixed reactions.
Overall, this episode of Saturday Night Live highlighted the talents of its cast and the dynamic range of humor and music that the show is known for. As the holiday season approaches, the blend of comedic sketches and musical performances continues to resonate with audiences, keeping the spirit of SNL alive and well.
