On October 18, Sabrina Carpenter made a significant mark on Saturday Night Live, delivering a memorable performance as both host and musical guest. The episode featured a standout sketch, the “Boys Podcast,” where Carpenter’s uncanny portrayal of a tween boy interviewing Donald Trump (James Austin Johnson) captivated audiences, alongside her surprisingly uncensored live musical moment. This evening underscored SNL’s enduring role in political satire and its capacity for unexpected live television moments, solidifying Carpenter’s versatile talent.
Saturday Night Live, a long-standing institution in American comedy, consistently delivers cutting-edge political satire and iconic celebrity moments. The October 18 episode, hosted by the multi-talented Sabrina Carpenter, was no exception. Known for its sharp wit and timely commentary, SNL once again took aim at former President Donald Trump in a sketch that perfectly blended absurdity with poignant observation. Carpenter, in her double-duty debut as host and musical guest, not only showcased her comedic chops but also made headlines with an uncensored musical performance that left viewers buzzing.
The “Boys Podcast” Phenomenon: Sabrina Carpenter’s Uncanny Transformation
One of the most talked-about segments of the night was the “Boys Podcast” sketch, which many fans deemed “scarily accurate” in its depiction of tween YouTubers. Ditching the traditional political cold open, SNL instead featured a group of adolescent boys hosting a podcast called Snack Homiez. The cast members Chloe Fineman (Braylor), Jane Wickline (Kyler, “Unc”), and Veronika Slowikowska (Jason) were joined by a nearly unrecognizable Sabrina Carpenter as Tayson. Carpenter, donning a short dark wig and a backwards baseball cap, perfectly captured the speech patterns and body language of a 12-year-old boy, eliciting strong reactions from the audience who recognized the phenomenon.
The sketch, written by Will Stephen, Asha Ward, and Carl Tart, invited James Austin Johnson’s President Donald Trump for a “lighthearted” interview. This setup satirized the trend of credulous podcasters who often target young men, a dynamic frequently observed during the 2024 election cycle, as reported by NBC News. The segment opened with a debate on vegetables, setting a hilariously mundane tone before Trump’s appearance.
Trump’s Mock Interview: Gushing Over “Liar” George Santos and “Yes King” Protests
In the “Boys Podcast” sketch, James Austin Johnson’s Donald Trump delivered a series of characteristic musings that drew direct parallels to his real-world statements. He reminisced about his preferences for “Ding Dongs” and “Little Debbie” treats, humorously claiming he “very smartly” made the Christmas tree cake available year-round. This lighthearted banter soon turned to more politically charged topics, albeit filtered through Trump’s unique perspective.
A notable moment came when Trump expressed his admiration for former U.S. Rep. George Santos, whose prison sentence for fraud and identity theft he recently commuted. “You know who I do like is George Santos,” Johnson’s Trump declared. “He’s weird. He’s a liar. I think he’s great. We don’t know anything about him. He’s one of our favorite people. I don’t know him at all. I don’t know anything about him. He’s one of our favorites.” This comedic take highlighted Trump’s controversial support for Santos. Furthermore, Trump misinterpreted the nationwide “No Kings Day” protests against his administration, which occurred on the same day as the SNL episode, as “Yes King” marches, suggesting the people were celebrating Santos’s freedom.
Musings on Mortality: Trump and Heaven
The sketch also poked fun at Donald Trump’s recent public musings about his prospects of getting into heaven. On the podcast, James Austin Johnson’s Trump posed the question to the young hosts: “Do you think I’m getting into heaven?” After a moment of awkward silence from the boys, he quickly concluded, “Probably not, right? Epstein!” This sharp, one-word punchline referenced the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, a figure associated with significant controversy.
This comedic exchange directly mirrored comments Trump made to the press the previous Sunday, where he stated, “I don’t think there’s anything that’s going to get me into heaven. I think I’m not maybe heaven-bound,” as seen in a NBC News video. SNL’s ability to quickly adapt and satirize current events remains a cornerstone of its comedic success, providing a humorous lens through which to view political discourse.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Uncensored Live Musical Performance
Beyond her comedic talents, Sabrina Carpenter’s debut as a musical guest also provided a shocking moment for viewers. During her second performance of the night, singing her single “Nobody’s Son,” Carpenter was not censored when she sang the line, “he sure f—ed me up,” not once, but twice. This unexpected use of profanity live on network television quickly garnered significant attention on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
Fans immediately reacted, questioning how Carpenter managed to get away with the uncensored language, with one user remarking, “wait, did sabrina carpenter just say f— live on tv?! didn’t jenny slate get fired for that a few years ago?!” This moment became a significant talking point, highlighting the unpredictable nature of live television and SNL’s often bold approach to content. Carpenter’s ability to transition from a spot-on comedic impression to a powerful, albeit raw, musical performance underscored her versatility as an entertainer during her first double-duty appearance on the iconic show, a testament to the diverse talents seen on Saturday Night Live.
