Saturday Night Live concluded its 50th season with a finale that felt strangely subdued, given the impending departures of several cast members. While the show certainly delivered laughs, the expected emotional goodbyes for departing talent were notably absent. Instead, the writers opted for a more subtle approach, weaving in jokes about the changes to come. Sarah Sherman’s exit, for instance, was alluded to with comedic timing, rather than a heartfelt send-off. Similarly, Colin Jost’s playful suggestion of replacing Lorne Michaels as the show’s boss served as a lighthearted nod to the changing of the guard.
This unusual approach to the finale has sparked a lot of discussion among SNL fans. Some viewers appreciated the understated nature of the send-offs, feeling it aligned with the show’s often ironic and self-aware humor. Others, however, felt the lack of formal goodbyes was a missed opportunity to properly acknowledge the contributions of departing cast members and celebrate their time on the iconic show. The absence of traditional farewell monologues or sketches left many wondering about the reasons behind this unconventional approach. Was it a deliberate artistic choice? A reflection of the show’s evolving style? Or simply a consequence of time constraints?
Regardless of the intent, the season finale served as a reminder that even long-running institutions like SNL are constantly in flux. The departures of key cast members mark a significant transition, and the subtle handling of these departures in the finale might indicate a new direction for the show in its upcoming season. The coming months will undoubtedly bring many changes, and only time will tell how SNL adapts and evolves in the wake of this significant shift in its ensemble. The question remains: Will the upcoming season embrace a fresh, bold style, or return to the more familiar formula of previous years? Only time will tell.
