Elon Musk’s ‘SNL’ episode: behind-the-scenes drama and unexpected outcomes

Elon Musk, ever the controversial figure, found himself in the middle of an emotional storm during his hosting stint on “Saturday Night Live” in May 2021. His candid reflections on social media about the week leading up to the show have sparked further discussions. Let’s delve deeper into this intriguing episode.

The anxiety leading up to ‘SNL’

In one of his frankest disclosures, Musk admitted on platform X that he was intensely worried his appearance would fall flat. He recalled, “Frankly, it was only on the Thursday before the Saturday that ANY of the sketches generated laughs. I was worried. I was like damn, my ‘SNL’ appearance is going to be so unfunny that it will make a crackhead sober!! But then it worked out in the end.” This self-deprecating humor reflects the immense pressure on anyone stepping into the spotlight of a live comedy show.

Chloe Fineman’s tearful revelation

The emotional toll on the cast was laid bare when Chloe Fineman revealed in a now-deleted TikTok video that she was brought to tears by Musk’s critique. Her confession came after another host, Bowen Yang, discussed an incident where a male host made multiple cast members cry during a table-read, expressing his disdain for their sketch ideas. Yang’s account fits with Musk’s timeline, as it wasn’t until the Thursday that Musk acknowledged any of the sketches were landing well.

Fineman shared her side of the story vividly in the video. She portrayed Musk’s reaction to her sketch: “You made I, Chloe Fineman, burst into tears because I stayed up all night writing the sketch. I was so excited, I came in, I asked if you had any questions and you stared at me like you were firing me from Tesla, and were like, ‘It’s not funny.’”

The sketches: success and satire

Despite the tense atmosphere leading up to the show, the sketch that caused Fineman so much anguish did make it to air. She conceded that Musk was “really funny in it,” though her plea for “a little manners” highlights the human element often overshadowed by on-screen performances. The complexity of producing live comedy was laid bare — a mix of crushed expectations, last-minute salvation, and ultimate success.

Musk’s criticism of ‘SNL’

Musk’s critique of “SNL” continued beyond the behind-the-scenes drama. Following Dana Carvey’s impression of Musk in a November episode hosted by Bill Burr, Musk expressed his disillusionment with the show on X, stating that “SNL” has been “dying slowly for years, as they become increasingly out of touch with reality.” This stark criticism underscores the ongoing debate about the show’s relevance in modern comedy.

In response to Musk’s comments, Fineman delivered a sharp rebuke. “I just saw some news article about Elon Musk being like butt-hurt about ‘SNL’ and his impression, but I’m, like, you’re clearly watching the show. Like, what are you talking about?” This response not only defended “SNL” but also brought a personal angle to the broader conversation about the show’s impact and evolution.

The broader implications for ‘SNL’

The drama surrounding Musk’s hosting gig shines a light on the unique challenges faced by “Saturday Night Live.” As a cornerstone of American comedy, the show is constantly reinventing itself to stay relevant. The cast and crew’s ability to adapt under intense scrutiny is a testament to their resilience. It also raises questions about the expectations placed on guest hosts, particularly those from outside the entertainment industry.

The comedic landscape

“SNL” has historically thrived on its ability to mock, critique, and reflect societal norms and trends. The tension between traditional sketch comedy and contemporary sensibilities emerges clearly in the Musk episode. It highlights the delicate balance the show must maintain to both entertain and stay relevant. The inclusion of high-profile figures like Musk, who bring their own controversies, can be a double-edged sword.

Concluding reflections

Elon Musk’s “SNL” episode is a case study in the pressures and unpredictability of live television. From Musk’s anxiety about delivering humor to the heartfelt personal experiences of cast members like Fineman, this episode unearths the often unseen emotional currents behind the scenes. It exemplifies the relentless drive for perfection that characterizes “SNL” and underscores the human stories behind the laughter.

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