Elon Musk Shares Strong Reaction to Dana Carvey’s SNL Skit
In a recent episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL), comedian Dana Carvey took on a portrayal of Elon Musk, delivering an impression that has since stirred reactions, especially from Musk himself. Carvey, who has recently played characters like Joe Biden on the show, made his first appearance as Musk in a post-election sketch that also included Maya Rudolph and Kamala Harris. Musk, however, expressed dissatisfaction with Carvey’s portrayal and criticized SNL for what he described as the show’s decline in relevance and humor.
In a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk voiced his discontent over Carvey’s performance, stating that it lacked authenticity and humor. Musk also took the opportunity to comment on the current state of SNL, suggesting that the show has gradually lost touch with its audience. This comment reflects Musk’s ongoing engagement with the media and his past involvement with SNL, where he once hosted an episode.
Musk Criticizes SNL’s Direction and Carvey’s Performance
Carvey’s sketch opened with him wearing a black suit and a “Make America Great Again” hat, poking fun at Musk’s influence on American culture and technology. In the skit, Carvey’s Musk character humorously declares, “I run the country now,” referencing Musk’s influence on industries ranging from electric vehicles to space exploration. The skit continued with Carvey’s character joking about how America under Musk’s control would be similar to one of his rockets—“super cool and super fun, but there’s a slight chance it could blow up and everybody dies.”
Elon Musk responded critically, arguing that Carvey’s performance felt superficial and missed the mark. He took to X, where he wrote:
“SNL has been dying slowly for years, as they become increasingly out of touch with reality.”
Musk expressed that Carvey’s portrayal of him seemed inauthentic, sharing in a follow-up post that he felt Carvey was essentially “just playing himself,” rather than delivering a convincing impression of Musk. He added:
“Dana Carvey just sounds like Dana Carvey.”
In addition to critiquing Carvey’s impression, Musk pointed to the show’s recurring political satire, suggesting that the decision to feature Kamala Harris in a comedic role was an attempt to sway public opinion ahead of the election. He argued that this effort only backfired, stating, “Their last-ditch effort to cheat the equal airtime requirements and prop up Kamala before the election only helped sink her campaign further.”
Viewer Reactions and SNL’s History with Controversial Guests
The recent SNL episode prompted mixed reactions from viewers, some of whom took to social media to voice their own opinions. While some found the sketch entertaining, others echoed Musk’s sentiment that the show has become too focused on political satire, especially in recent years. One user commented that the showrunners were simply “so mad” about past political events, hinting at the show’s ongoing critiques of figures like Donald Trump.
Musk himself has a unique history with SNL. In 2021, he made a headline-grabbing appearance as a host, which received a mixed response from viewers and critics alike. While some viewers praised his willingness to participate in the comedy show, others questioned the decision to feature him, given his controversial business practices and outspoken personality. Musk’s appearance drew high ratings, but also sparked a larger conversation about SNL’s choice of guest hosts and its willingness to engage with polarizing figures.
This isn’t the first time a public figure from outside the entertainment industry has hosted the show. Donald Trump also hosted SNL in 2015, ahead of the presidential election. At the time, Trump’s appearance sparked considerable backlash, with critics arguing that it blurred the line between comedy and political endorsement. Since then, the show has continued to invite non-comedian hosts, reflecting a shift in its approach to engaging with the news cycle and popular culture.
SNL’s Evolving Role in Political and Celebrity Satire
As SNL continues to experiment with new material and characters, it has increasingly focused on high-profile public figures and current events. The show’s longtime fans have noted that its sketches often tackle political and cultural issues, sometimes sparking controversy among viewers who feel that the show has shifted away from its original comedic roots.
Musk’s criticism highlights a broader debate surrounding SNL’s direction and its ability to connect with modern audiences. While the show remains a prominent feature of American television, some fans have questioned whether its political satire has overshadowed its comedic elements. In his critique, Musk hinted at his belief that SNL’s political approach may be alienating viewers rather than engaging them.
For more updates on Elon Musk and SNL, tune in to Vviptimes.
Sources:
SNL, X, YouTube, Vulture