Saturday Night Live‘s "Weekend Update" segment on May 9, 2026, offered a satirical lens on the public pronouncements of former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, with featured player Jeremy Culhane stepping into the role. The segment, a staple of the long-running sketch comedy show, focused on Carlson’s recent commentary regarding the Met Gala, the biopic Michael, and other polarizing topics. Culhane’s portrayal captured Carlson’s signature cadence and controversial style, as the character delivered a series of sharp critiques that mirrored the tone of Carlson’s actual online content.
The Met Gala: A Catalyst for Outrage
The sketch opened with Culhane’s Carlson expressing his disdain for the annual Met Gala, a high-profile fashion event held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The character lambasted attendees for what he perceived as extravagant displays of wealth and a disconnect from societal issues. "Let’s all prance around in our $100,000 clown outfits and watch the American empire crumble," Culhane’s Carlson declared, questioning the purpose and substance of the event. This critique aligns with a broader pattern of Carlson’s commentary, which often targets cultural events and public figures he deems out of touch or contributing to perceived societal decline.
When co-host Colin Jost acknowledged Carlson’s apparent dislike for the gala, the character responded with biting sarcasm. "Oh no, I loved it," he quipped. "Because when I go to a museum, I don’t want to learn about history. No, I want to look at The Rock in a skirt. Do you smell what the Rock is cooking? Because I do — it’s gender confusion." This line directly referenced Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson’s appearance at the Met Gala, where he wore a striking pink suit with flared pants. Carlson’s commentary, as depicted in the sketch, seized upon the visual and framed it within a narrative of gender fluidity, a frequent subject of his critical commentary.
The satirical portrayal extended to other celebrities present at the event. Carlson’s character directed his ire towards Madonna, remarking, "She named herself after the Virgin Mary. And you want to know my favorite thing about the mother of Jesus Christ? The big pirate ship on her head." This was a clear jab at Madonna’s elaborate headwear at the gala. Furthermore, the sketch referenced Heidi Klum’s veiled statue look, with Culhane’s Carlson proclaiming, "The left has finally gotten what they’ve always wanted. They put the Statue of Liberty in a burqa." This comparison, drawing a parallel between a fashion choice and a religious garment, echoed Carlson’s tendency to frame cultural discussions through a lens of perceived political or ideological conflict.
Conspiracy and Confusion: The Maine "E"
The "Weekend Update" segment then shifted to a more conspiratorial tangent, sparked by Jost’s observation that Carlson resides in Maine. The character launched into a theory about the state’s ubiquitous "silent E" branding, questioning its meaning. "What does the E even stand for? Oh, I know: ‘Euphoria.’ And no, I’m not talking about the feeling I get when I press one for English." This playful, yet characteristic, dig at linguistic nuances and perceived hidden meanings is reminiscent of Carlson’s investigative style, which often seeks out unconventional interpretations of common phenomena.
The Michael Biopic and the Question of Race
A significant portion of the sketch focused on the Michael biopic, a film chronicling the life of Michael Jackson. Culhane’s Carlson expressed a peculiar form of dissatisfaction with the film, not for its portrayal of Jackson’s alleged controversies, but for its perceived omission of a particular aspect of his life. "The movie ends in 1988, so obviously they avoided something serious that needs to be acknowledged," the character stated. "The part of Michael Jackson’s life no one wants to talk about anymore. The part when he was a white man. Sorry, kids, Michael Jackson doesn’t get to live a beautiful white life anymore. ‘Shamona’ — more like ‘shame on ya.’"
This commentary, as presented by SNL, directly addresses a sensitive and often debated aspect of Michael Jackson’s life: his changing appearance and perceived racial identity. Carlson’s real-life commentary has frequently touched upon themes of race and identity, often with a critical stance on what he perceives as the erasure or distortion of traditional narratives. The biopic, by focusing on Jackson’s early life and career, inherently deals with a period where his racial identity was less a subject of public discourse compared to his later years. The sketch satirizes Carlson’s presumed reaction to this narrative framing, suggesting an interpretation that prioritizes a white identity for the artist.
A$AP Rocky and the Final "Hot Take"
The segment concluded with Culhane’s Carlson delivering what the sketch framed as his "most offensive hot take yet," aimed at A$AP Rocky’s Met Gala attire. The rapper appeared on the red carpet wearing a kilt and a striking floral-patterned coat. Carlson’s character quipped, "He was on the red carpet wearing my least favorite color, African American." This statement, a clear play on words and a racialized interpretation of a fashion choice, was designed to provoke and encapsulate the controversial nature of Carlson’s public commentary. The phrase "African American" as a color is a direct reference to a controversial remark made by Carlson in the past regarding a Black politician’s attire, which drew widespread criticism for its racial undertones.
Context and Background
Tucker Carlson’s departure from Fox News in April 2023 marked a significant moment in American media. Following his ousting, Carlson launched a new show on X (formerly Twitter), where he has continued to deliver commentary on a range of political and cultural issues. His posts often engage with controversial topics, attract large audiences, and generate considerable debate. The SNL sketch tapped into this ongoing public dialogue, using Carlson’s well-established persona and style as fodder for satire.
The Met Gala, established in 1948, has evolved from a local fundraising event for the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art into a global fashion spectacle. Each year, celebrities and fashion icons attend in elaborate, themed ensembles, making it a consistent subject of media attention and public discussion, often including critiques of its perceived excess or exclusivity.
The biopic Michael, released in 2025, aimed to explore the complex life of Michael Jackson, a figure who remains a subject of intense fascination and controversy. Films and documentaries about Jackson have frequently grappled with his musical legacy, his personal life, and the numerous allegations of child sexual abuse that have shadowed his career.
Broader Impact and Implications
The Saturday Night Live sketch, by satirizing Tucker Carlson’s commentary, reflects the broader cultural discourse surrounding his post-Fox News platform. The show’s use of "Weekend Update" to address prominent public figures and events serves as a form of cultural commentary, often highlighting perceived absurdities or hypocrisies. Carlson’s continued influence and the controversial nature of his remarks make him a frequent target for satire in mainstream media.
The implications of Carlson’s continued presence in the public sphere, albeit on a different platform, remain a subject of discussion. His ability to command a significant audience and influence public opinion on various issues, including those related to race, culture, and politics, continues to be a focal point for analysis. SNL‘s portrayal, while comedic, underscores the recognizable patterns and provocative nature of his communication style.
A Look Ahead for SNL
The episode featuring the Tucker Carlson sketch was hosted by Matt Damon, with Noah Kahan as the musical guest. Saturday Night Live‘s 51st season was slated to conclude the following week with Will Ferrell as host and Paul McCartney as the musical guest, signaling the show’s ongoing commitment to engaging with contemporary culture and prominent personalities. The recurring presence of figures like Tucker Carlson in "Weekend Update" segments underscores their enduring impact on the national conversation, providing ample material for the show’s satirical take on current events.
