Comedy legend Dave Chappelle kicked off the new year in style, hosting the season’s inaugural episode of Saturday Night Live on Studio 8H. This marked Chappelle’s fourth appearance as host, and true to form, he delivered an extended monologue packed with sharp wit, social commentary, and thought-provoking moments.
A Suit, a Cigarette, and a New Year’s Pickle
Walking onstage in a sharp suit and puffing on a cigarette, Chappelle wasted no time setting the tone. “Boy, I tell you something. I’m being very honest. I am in quite the pickle tonight,” he opened, recounting how SNL creator Lorne Michaels had asked him to host the first episode after the election. Initially, Chappelle declined, but later agreed to the date closest to January 6, quipping, “I could just get rid of all these old Trump jokes. I’ll do it!”
However, the comedian acknowledged that saying “yes” to hosting came with challenges, joking, “The moment I said yes, L.A. burst into flames!” Chappelle referenced the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, offering both somber reflections and biting humor. He criticized online commentary mocking celebrities who lost their homes while also joking about the wealth disparity the fires highlighted.
Controversy, Conspiracies, and Celebrities
Chappelle’s knack for tackling difficult topics head-on was on full display as he speculated on conspiracy theories about the fires. “If you were a rational, thinking person, you’d have to at least consider the possibility that God hates these people,” he joked, leaving the audience both laughing and squirming.
Pivoting to politics, Chappelle addressed Trump’s past controversial remarks about Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, where Chappelle himself resides nearby. He hilariously recounted how he supported the local Haitian community after Trump’s comments, even joking about the mystery meat he encountered at a Haitian restaurant.
Hollywood Scandals and Self-Deprecation
In true Chappelle fashion, no one was off-limits, not even himself. Touching on allegations surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs, Chappelle cracked jokes about Diddy’s infamous “Freak Off” parties, lamenting his lack of an invitation. “Oh my god, I’m ugly! That’s a tough way to find out,” he quipped, joking about Hollywood’s exclusivity.
Trump, Carter, and a Sobering Conclusion
Chappelle wrapped his monologue with commentary on Donald Trump’s return to the White House as the 47th president. He acknowledged the coincidental timing of former president Jimmy Carter’s death, noting Carter’s legacy as a “good man” who made him feel proud as an American.
Chappelle’s closing remarks took an emotional turn as he addressed Trump directly: “The whole world is counting on you. Please do better next time.” He urged viewers not to forget their humanity, whether for displaced people in the Palisades or Palestine.
The Chappelle Effect
Dave Chappelle’s SNL appearance was as polarizing as it was memorable, cementing his reputation as a comedian unafraid to tackle the big issues while walking the line between controversy and humor. Whether you love him or hate him, one thing is certain: Chappelle knows how to keep everyone talking.
