Saturday Night Live

Robin Thede. Black woman wearing black and gold V-neck dress with high ponytail standing in front of HBO step and repeat.
N. Jamiyla Chisholm  Aug 21, 2019 2:29PM EDT

Robin Thede On the Secret to Success for 'A Black Lady Sketch Show'

“The thing you’re going to feel differently on our show is that Black women are writing for Black women and a Black woman is directing the show. A Black woman created the show, there are Black women executive producing the show, so our hands are felt all in it.”
Asian woman with hair up and bangs wearing a read gown with shoulders exposed turned to the side and a crowd of red carpet reporters behind her.
Tiarra Mukherjee  Mar 14, 2019 1:42PM EDT

Oh Yes!: Sandra Oh's Hot Streak Continues on 'Saturday Night Live'

The “Killing Eve” actor will be the third woman of Asian descent to host the iconic series.
Kenan Thompson. Black man in navy suit with red and gray striped tie and white shirt holds finger in front of green wall and brown painting frame.
Sameer Rao  Feb 11, 2019 1:24PM EST

Watch 'SNL' Educate Virginia Politicians About Blackface

In 2019. Still.
Ego Nwodim. Black woman with black curly hair in yellow-orange sweater in front of grey background
Sameer Rao  Sep 24, 2018 3:25PM EDT

Meet New 'SNL' Cast Member Ego Nwodim

Asian-American podcaster Bowen Yang also joins “Saturday Night Live” as a staff writer.
Kenan Thompson in black vest and black and red and white plaid shirt in front of black wall with white and red and blue text
Sameer Rao  Aug 15, 2018 12:53PM EDT

'SNL' Vet Kenan Thompson Talks TV Comedy Evolution

The new Emmy nominee—and longest performer in “SNL” history—discusses his career and the show’s slow work in increasing Black representation in a new profile.
Black man in grey prosthetic makeup and blue and white and grey costume next to Black man in multicolored shirt under red and blue plaid blazer in front of brown doors and band in black clothing
Sameer Rao  Apr 9, 2018 11:50AM EDT

Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa Learns About Racism in 'SNL' 'Black Jeopardy' Sketch

The actor poked fun at his “Black Panther” character and fame during his first episode as host. 
Black man in black hat and jacket and green sweatshirt and blue jeans holds black microphone and stand in front of black and white and orange background with white text
Sameer Rao  Dec 13, 2017 2:24PM EST

Michael Che is 'SNL's' First Black Head Writer

The “Weekend Update” anchor got a promotion.
Black man in blue and grey coat and black hat with white text holding black microphone in front of grey ice and glass
Sameer Rao  Nov 20, 2017 1:06PM EST

Chance the Rapper Confronts Batman's Racist Policing, Dedicates Slow Jam to Barack Obama on 'SNL'

The Chicago artist and philanthropist hosted the late-night sketch program for the first time.
Black woman in gold earrings and green dress with brown pockets in front of dark grey wall with white and gold text and logos
Sameer Rao  Nov 9, 2017 4:30PM EST

5 Choice Clips to Celebrate Tiffany Haddish's 'SNL' Hosting Debut

The “Girls Trip” star is the first Black female standup comedian to host the late-night sketch show.
Brown man in navy suit with white shirt and patterned tie in front of Black and White men in black clothing and brown door and wall
Sameer Rao  Oct 16, 2017 11:06AM EDT

Kumail Nanjiani Tells Racists to 'Do the Research' in 'SNL' Opener

“An informed racist is a better racist!”
Brown man in grey suit and black tie in front of light blue screen with white text
Sameer Rao  Oct 13, 2017 11:24AM EDT

Prep for Kumail Nanjiani's 'SNL' Hosting Gig With These 7 Funny Clips

The Pakistani-American comedian is the first native of South Asia to host the weekly sketch comedy show.
Black man in navy blazer and purple shirt and tie sits next to inset of White man in navy suit over red, white and blue flag on blue and white background
Sameer Rao  Oct 2, 2017 12:24PM EDT

'SNL' Viewers Praise, Critique Michael Che's Call for 'Cheap Cracker' Trump to Help Puerto Rico

The “Saturday Night Live” season premiere also featured musical guest Jay-Z, who performed while wearing a Colin Kaepernick jersey.
Black woman in green jacket with black sweater and beige necklace in front of black-and-white-striped wall
Sameer Rao  May 22, 2017 5:04PM EDT

Honor Sasheer Zamata's Understated Greatness With These 3 'SNL' Clips

Zamata was the first Black woman cast on “Saturday Night Live” since 2007—and she just left the late-night sketch institution after three-and-a-half years. Here, we reflect on some of her definitive performances.
Brown man in navy suit with white shirt and red tie against brown background with black-clad musicians
Sameer Rao  Jan 23, 2017 10:18AM EST

3 Best Lines on Race from Aziz Ansari's 'SNL' Debut

The show’s first-ever South Asian-American host had a lot to say about the recently inaugurated president and his most racist supporters.
Brown man in grey suit with black tie, white shirt and maroon pocket square against dark grey wall with white text and blue symbols
Sameer Rao  Jan 11, 2017 1:04PM EST

Aziz Ansari Will Be 'SNL's' First Desi Host

The “Master of None” auteur is only the show’s fourth host from the Asian diaspora. 
Black man in navy suit and red tie behind black microphone against dark blue-lit background
Sameer Rao  Jan 4, 2017 4:03PM EST

August Wilson, Barry Jenkins, Donald Glover Nominated for WGA Awards

The Writers Guild of America’s dual awards ceremonies will take place in New York City and Los Angeles on February 19.
Black man in black leather jacket with black hat and gold chain next to Black man in black-and-red track suit with black hat and gold chain against black background
Sameer Rao  Dec 19, 2016 9:58AM EST

WATCH: 'SNL' Honors Obama with 'Christmas in Hollis' Parody

Keenan Thompson, Leslie Jones and musical guest Chance the Rapper dropped bars in “Jingle Barack.”
Black man in brown sweater and blue jeans holding black microphone stand and microphone against brown background
Sameer Rao  Nov 15, 2016 11:01AM EST

'SNL's' Michael Che Tackles 'All Lives Matter,' Police Violence in New Stand-Up Special Trailer

“Michael Che Matters” premieres November 25 on Netflix.
Black man with hands up in air wearing light blue shirt and dark blue tie under navy suit against grey and green background
Sameer Rao  Nov 11, 2016 8:07AM EST

Before Dave Chappelle Hosts 'SNL,' We Remember 5 of His Classic Bits on Race

The enigmatic comedian will ”Saturday Night Live” tomorrow with musical guest A Tribe Called Quest.
Black woman with brown hair wearing white blouse and holding black microphone against navy blue background
Sameer Rao  Nov 7, 2016 10:10AM EST

ICYMI: Solange Brings Down the House With 'SNL' Performances

The artist performed renditions of her “A Seat at the Table” tracks “Cranes in the Sky” and “Don’t Touch My Hair” on the late-night program.