SNL’s New Guard: How TikTok and Digital Success Are Rewriting the Rules of Comedy
Saturday Night Live isn’t just surviving in the age of streaming and social media – it’s actively adapting, and the latest cast changes signal a dramatic shift in how comedy talent is discovered and cultivated. The promotion of Ben Marshall of Please Don’t Destroy to a featured player, alongside four new hires with significant digital footprints, isn’t just a personnel update; it’s a blueprint for the future of sketch comedy, one where viral success is a prerequisite, not an afterthought.
From Pre-Taped Sketches to Featured Players: The Please Don’t Destroy Effect
Ben Marshall’s trajectory – from digital short creator to full-fledged cast member – is particularly telling. His group, Please Don’t Destroy, built a dedicated following with their quirky, relatable pre-recorded videos. This isn’t the traditional SNL path, and Marshall’s promotion demonstrates the show’s willingness to embrace talent that already has a proven audience. The question now is what happens to John Higgins and Martin Herlihy, Marshall’s co-founders? Their continued involvement, or lack thereof, will further define this new strategy.
The TikTok Factor: A New Pipeline for SNL Stars
The incoming class further solidifies this trend. Jeremy Culhane and Veronika Slowikowska both boast substantial followings on TikTok and Instagram, leveraging short-form video to hone their comedic voices and build a fanbase. Culhane’s viral date prep TikTok, for example, showcases a knack for relatable character work. Slowikowska, meanwhile, openly admires comedians like Adam Sandler and Donald Glover, artists who’ve successfully navigated multiple platforms and genres. This suggests a desire for versatility – a crucial asset in today’s fragmented media landscape.
Stand-Up’s Continued Relevance, But With a Digital Edge
While digital prowess is clearly valued, traditional stand-up experience hasn’t been abandoned. Tommy Brennan, mentored by the late Louie Anderson, brings a stand-up background to the table, but even he acknowledges the importance of authenticity. As Brennan shared, Anderson’s advice was to “write about yourself,” a principle that resonates strongly with the confessional, personality-driven comedy that thrives online. Kam Patterson, a regular at Kill Tony and soon to appear alongside Kevin Hart, also represents a continuation of the stand-up tradition, but his visibility extends beyond the club circuit.
The Exodus and the Evolution of SNL’s Brand
The departures of Devon Walker, Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim are also significant. Walker’s description of a mutual decision to leave suggests a changing dynamic within the show itself. SNL is facing increasing competition for comedic talent, and the rise of alternative platforms offers performers more control over their careers. The show must continually evolve to remain relevant and attract the next generation of stars. This shift is also reflected in the types of comedy being produced – a move towards more character-driven, relatable humor, often born from personal experience.
Beyond the Stage: The Multi-Hyphenate Comedian
Veronika Slowikowska’s aspirations – to emulate the careers of Adam Sandler and Donald Glover – highlight a broader trend: the rise of the multi-hyphenate comedian. Today’s successful performers aren’t just stand-ups or sketch comedians; they’re writers, actors, musicians, and content creators. They build personal brands that extend beyond any single platform or medium. SNL, by embracing talent like Slowikowska, is positioning itself to capitalize on this trend. The Hollywood Reporter provides further insight into the evolving landscape of late-night television.
The future of Saturday Night Live isn’t just about finding funny people; it’s about finding comedians who can build audiences, create content, and thrive in a multi-platform world. This latest cast shakeup isn’t a sign of decline, but a bold step towards a new era of sketch comedy – one that’s shaped by the power of digital media and the entrepreneurial spirit of a new generation of performers. What kind of sketches will this new cast bring to the iconic show? Share your predictions in the comments below!
