During the historic SNL50 anniversary special, Tom Hanks’ performance reignited a controversy that has divided audiences along political lines. Hanks reprised his role as Doug, the character he played in the 2016 “Black Jeopardy!” sketch, which had satirically portrayed a Trump supporter. In his return to the character, Hanks delivered a line about creating a new show called “White Jeopardy,” which stirred up strong reactions, particularly among conservative viewers. This sketch became a flashpoint for debates over the role of satire in political commentary and the growing divide in American public discourse.

Saturday Night Live has long been known for its bold political humor, offering biting commentary on politicians, public figures, and societal issues. The show’s sketches often reflect the polarized nature of modern American politics, and the 2016 “Black Jeopardy!” sketch was no exception. In it, Hanks played Doug, a Trump supporter with a MAGA hat, who struggled to fit into a game show with African American contestants. The sketch humorously highlighted the absurdities and contradictions within political discourse, using satire to challenge viewers’ assumptions.

Hanks’ return to the role during the SNL50 special in 2025 sparked a renewed debate. The sketch reimagined “Black Jeopardy!” with Doug making an offhand comment about starting a “White Jeopardy” show. This line, though meant as a comedic nod to the original sketch, was quickly interpreted by many conservatives as a direct mockery of Trump supporters. The backlash on social media was swift, with critics accusing Hanks and the show of disrespecting millions of Americans who supported the former president.

Supporters of SNL and political satire argued that the sketch was in line with the show’s legacy of challenging political norms. For them, satire serves as a means to provoke critical thought, spark conversation, and at times, confront the uncomfortable truths about the current political climate. They saw Hanks’ performance as a timely homage to the show’s earlier work, using humor to illuminate the contradictions of modern politics.

However, for many conservative viewers, the sketch represented an unnecessary jab. Critics accused SNL of being out of touch with the significant portion of the American public who hold different political views. Social media erupted with comments condemning Hanks’ portrayal of a Trump supporter as disrespectful, reinforcing the idea that entertainment media, particularly SNL, has become a platform for liberal viewpoints at the expense of conservative perspectives.

To understand the depth of the controversy, it’s crucial to recognize SNL’s long-standing role in political satire. The show has been a key player in shaping the national conversation about politics since its inception in 1975. Over the years, it has become known for its fearless approach to political satire, using humor to lampoon presidents, candidates, and public figures from both sides of the aisle. While some view this as a form of catharsis in a highly polarized nation, others argue that such satire has become a means to mock and alienate political opponents.

Hanks’ line about “White Jeopardy” was intended as an extension of his character’s established persona—a Trump supporter using irony and sarcasm to navigate the absurdities of contemporary politics. However, in the current polarized environment, even well-meaning satire can be perceived differently depending on one’s political leanings. The controversy surrounding Hanks’ performance reflects the broader challenge of navigating political humor in a world where every word and action is scrutinized and often politicized.

The reaction to the sketch highlights the deepening divide in the American political landscape. For some, political satire like Hanks’ performance serves as a critical tool for commentary, offering a way to reflect on and question the state of the nation. For others, it represents an attack on their beliefs, amplifying feelings of marginalization and frustration. The SNL50 sketch serves as a microcosm of these cultural battles, showing how humor—while meant to provoke thought—can also drive a wedge between groups with differing worldviews.

In the end, Tom Hanks’ return to the role of Doug and his controversial line about “White Jeopardy” highlights the complexities of political humor in today’s climate. While it remains to be seen whether the backlash will lead to broader changes in how political satire is approached, it’s clear that this sketch—like many before it—will continue to fuel discussions about the role of comedy in shaping public discourse. The controversy underscores the power of satire to both unite and divide, and serves as a reminder that in today’s political environment, even the most seemingly innocent remarks can spark fierce debates and lasting reactions.