When push comes to shove, it was a tale of two buzzworthy sketches for this weekend’s “Saturday Night Live,” which featured longtime Hollywood mainstay Edward Norton in his first hosting stint at Rockefeller Center.
“New Horror Trailer,” the first such sketch, earned rave reviews for its biting–yet accessible–parody of Wes Anderson’s filmmaking style. Highlighted by Edward Norton’s pitch perfect impression of Owen Wilson, the segment drew instant raves from its in-house and television audiences.
Early Sunday morning, NBC, confident that it had a winner, eagerly shared the video (see below) with journalists.
The reaction to the other key sketch was far more polarizing. Playing off interest in the acclaimed new film “12 Years a Slave,” the segment, entitled “12 Days Not a Slave,” starred Jay Pharoah as a wide-eyed former slave who hoped for instant assimilation into White America. Miley Cyrus, who also appeared alongside Norton (and Alec BAldwin) in the opening monologue, made a brief cameo to riff on her twerking.
It takes but a simple reading of that premise to understand the polarization; while some praised the biting humor, others–including key media outlets–editorialized on its lack of taste. What is the appropriate take? You be the judge below.
All key segments–including Janelle Monae’s performances as the musical guest–are below:
Obamacare Website Ad Cold Open
Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, offers the American public tips for dealing with the glitchy healthcare enrollment website.
Edward Norton Monologue
First-time SNL host Edward Norton talks about his 13 years of preparation. Alec Baldwin and Miley Cyrus join him onstage to provide their hosting advice.
Autumn’s Eve
Autumn’s Eve is the first intimate care wash with all the bold, spicy flavors of fall.
School Visit
As a part of the Cops in Classrooms program, Officer Rosen warns students about the danger of strangers in vans with candy.
Halloween on The Steve Harvey Show
Jake Pickler from Spooky City stops by the Steve Harvey to share his favorite wordplay Halloween costumes.
New Horror Trailer
An all-new thriller from the mind of Wes Anderson, “The Midnight Coterie of Sinister Intruders” starring Edward Norton as Owen Wilson.
Critter Control
An exterminator is called to a board room to deal with a smell coming from the air duct.
Drug Deal
A numbers savant played by Edward Norton is brought in to count cash in a high stakes drug deal.
Janelle Monáe: Dance Apocalyptic
Musical guest Janelle Monáe performs “Dance Apocalyptic.”
Weekend Update: Favorites
Catch up on the headlines with Weekend Update anchors Seth Meyers and Cecily Strong, including the World Series, immigration reform and a man who punched a shark.
Weekend Update: Anthony Crispino
Anthony Crispino stops by the Update desk to give Seth the second hand news.
12 Days Not A Slave
A newly emancipated slave finds it hard adjusting to life in the free world.
Ruth’s Chris
A group of waiters, all virgins, loudly fantasize about their first time.
Janelle Monáe: Electric Lady
Musical guest Janelle Monáe performs “Electric Lady.”
Halloween Candy
Edward Norton reviews what’s in store for this year’s trick-o-treaters.
Web Exclusive: Don’t Smash My Pumpkin
Taran Killam just wants to keep his pumpkin safe this Halloween.