Tina Fey shared insights on “Saturday Night Live’s” political satire at History Talks, an event spotlighting influential figures in politics and media. The event was a collaboration between the History Channel and Comcast NBCUniversal, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States in Philadelphia.
“Saturday Night Live” has chronicled one fifth of America’s history,” Fey humorously remarked at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. “Which will endure longer?”
Fey was on “SNL” from 1997 to 2006, a key period when she collaborated with Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers, and Rachel Dratch, elevating the show’s political impact and catching the attention of top U.S. officials.
“The show’s connection to current events became more transparent,” Fey noted. “They’d say something, and we’d respond. Eventually, they wanted to join in too. It’s thrilling, and a bit intimidating, knowing what you say can reach those in power.”
After leaving “SNL,” Fey left a lasting impact, hosting the first episode after the 2007–08 writers’ strike with a monologue critiquing NBC’s staff reductions. That fall, she portrayed Republican VP nominee Sarah Palin during the 2008 election. Analysts suggested this portrayal influenced the poll numbers for McCain and Palin. Variety highlighted the “SNL Effect” in March 2008, discussing how the show contributed to the perception that the media was harder on Hillary Clinton and easier on Barack Obama, possibly leading to intensified scrutiny of Obama.
“It’s intriguing to see your words taken seriously,” Fey said, recalling the six-week period writing Palin sketches with Poehler and Meyers. “We ensured they were ‘fair hits,’ grounded in truth. People ask if SNL tries to influence political narratives, but it doesn’t. If it’s not true, it isn’t funny.”
Fey’s thoughts echoed those of longtime NBC executive Rick Ludwin, who told Variety after Nielsen reported a 50% ratings increase for “SNL” Season 34 during the 2008 campaign. “We’re thrilled the show is seen as more relevant,” Ludwin told Variety’s Michael Schneider. “We aim to be fair while being funny and satirizing politics.”
Fey also shared her favorite “SNL” political impressions: Darrell Hammond as Al Gore, Dana Carvey as George H. W. Bush, and Matt Damon as Brett Kavanaugh. Before discussing Damon’s portrayal, Fey joked to the audience, “Justice Kavanaugh, if you’re here, are we on trial?”
Damon debuted as Kavanaugh in the “SNL” Season 44 premiere in 2018, leading a cold open on the nominee’s Supreme Court hearings with Rachel Dratch as Sen. Amy Klobuchar. His performance satirized Kavanaugh’s questionable yearbook explanations related to inappropriate jokes and excessive drinking.
“He played Kavanaugh so well, it eased viewers’ frustrations with the hearings,” Fey said. “It only works if it’s accurate.”
“SNL” alum Kate McKinnon also hosted a History Talks panel with current cast member Colin Jost, the “Weekend Update” co-anchor now at Fey’s former desk. The event attracted a diverse crowd, including NFL stars Tom Brady and Jason Kelce, country singer Garth Brooks, and Nicole Kidman. Notably, all four living former U.S. presidents — Barack Obama, Joe Biden, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton — were present.
“Doesn’t it seem like there is one segment that is out of place?” McKinnon joked.
