Jeremy Culhane brought back his viral Tucker Carlson impression on "Saturday Night Live's" Season 52 premiere, channeling the conservative commentator's distinctive rhetorical style to lampoon Hollywood's summer blockbuster season. The bit aired during the show's traditional "Weekend Update" segment, where Culhane's Carlson tackled major releases including a reimagined "The Odyssey," a gender-neutral "Spider-Man," and what the character derided as left-wing obsession in contemporary filmmaking.
Culhane's Carlson impression has proven a reliable crowd-pleaser for NBC's sketch comedy institution. The performer captures the real Carlson's signature delivery: his raised eyebrows, pursed lips, and the particular cadence of faux-intellectual bewilderment he deploys when discussing cultural matters he positions as beneath serious consideration yet worthy of extended commentary. The impression works precisely because it exaggerates mannerisms already present in Carlson's on-air persona, making the satire immediately recognizable while amplifying the absurdity underlying his critiques.
The sketch's framing reveals SNL's instincts about contemporary comedy. By filtering Carlson's voice through discussion of major studio films, the show taps into a well-established cultural tension. Over the past decade, conservative media figures have positioned themselves as embattled critics of Hollywood's progressive turn. They argue that tentpole films increasingly prioritize identity politics and social messaging over storytelling, a complaint that became particularly vocal during debates surrounding casting decisions, franchise reboots, and adaptation choices. Carlson himself has frequently criticized what he calls Hollywood's ideological capture, making him a natural target for SNL's satirical impulse.
The specific titles Culhane's Carlson addresses matter. "The Odyssey" presumably refers to a contemporary adaptation of Homer's classical epic, a format that invites debates about fidelity to source material versus modern sensibilities. The gender-neutral "Spider-Man" reference likely plays on broader culture-war arguments about superhero casting and character portrayal in rebooted franchises. By having Carlson react to these projects, SNL positions him as the voice of reactionary media outrage, someone professionally invested in identifying cultural degradation where others see creative reimagining.
Culhane's impression also benefits from timing. SNL premiered its 52nd season as the 2024 election cycle intensified. Cable news commentary and political rhetoric have grown increasingly theatrical, with figures like Carlson serving as lightning rods for debates about media bias, free speech, and cultural authority. The show leverages audience familiarity with Carlson's actual presence on screens to generate immediate comedic recognition.
The "Weekend Update" segment traditionally functions as SNL's most topical section, mixing news commentary with celebrity interviews and recurring character sketches. By deploying Culhane's Carlson here rather than in a full sketch, producers ensure the bit feels contemporaneous, connected to actual current events rather than isolated comedy. The impression trades on what SNL audiences understand about media criticism and polarized cultural discourse.
Jeremy Culhane joined SNL's cast in 2023, and impressions became part of his established repertoire. His ability to sustain characters across multiple appearances helps SNL maintain continuity while building recurring comedy franchises. When audiences recognize Culhane returning as Carlson, they come with accumulated knowledge of previous bits, allowing SNL writers to refine and deepen the satire rather than starting from scratch each appearance.
SNL's revival of this impression signals that Carlson remains a relevant cultural figure and comedic target heading into fall. The show continues mining conservative media personalities for satirical material, a strategy that appeals to its traditionally liberal-leaning audience while also generating conversation among those who view such sketches as unfair caricature.