Key Points
Tom Hanks humorously critiques SNL's history of offensive stereotypes
Segment highlights problematic sketches and characters
Montage includes ethnic caricatures and controversial moments
Show reflects on its complex comedic evolution
The segment, which aired during Sunday's 'SNL50: The Anniversary Special', poked fun at the show's history of perpetuating stereotypes and problematic humour.
Hanks, dressed in a tuxedo, took the stage and began, "As we celebrate the achievements of the past 50 years, we must also take a moment to remember those who we've lost. Countless members of the SNL family taken from us way too soon. I'm speaking, of course, about SNL characters and sketches that have aged horribly."
The audience chuckled as Hanks continued, "Even though these accents and characters and... let's just call them ethnic wigs... were unquestionably in poor taste, you all laughed at them. So, if anyone should be cancelled, shouldn't it be you, the audience? Something to think about," according to Deadline.
The segment then cut to a montage of clips showcasing problematic characters and sketches from SNL's past, including John Belushi's samurai and Adrien Brody's infamous Jamaican accent.
The clips were accompanied by on-screen graphics, which called out the problematic elements, such as "ethnic stereotypes," "sexism," and "child molestation."
However, as the segment went on, the tone shifted from scolding to more nuanced, with some clips bearing captions like "MAYBE THIS WAS OK? NOT SURE."
According to Deadline, the segment also acknowledged "problematic guests" who had appeared on the show, including OJ Simpson and R Kelly.
The segment culminated in a landmark moment from the show's first season, an exchange between Chevy Chase and Richard Pryor that, while not necessarily easy to watch 50 years later, was acknowledged as a pivotal moment in the show's history.
