Congrats to SNL for promoting their first Latina cast member, Melissa Villaseñor from featured player to full cast member. Although we have yet to see Villaseñor play more than a supporting role in any of the skits, I look forward to that changing this season.
Meanwhile, SNL is enjoying record ratings due in large part to Alec Baldwin and the comedy-rich political environment. Late night comedy in general has seen a ratings bonanza since Trump was elected President. In fact, comedians like Jimmy Kimmel and Steven Colbert are now providing some of the most in-depth political analysis anywhere on television. Comedy has always played a small role in politics because politicians are known for their B.S. and comics, unlike typical journalists, are not restrained by conventional decorum. That said, I don’t think there has been a time when comedy has played a bigger role in politics than it is now. It’s no wonder SNL is experiencing a once in a generation windfall of attention.