Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

SNL puts Marjorie Taylor Greene, Covid vaccine and GameStop stock under the microscope in cold open

Cecily Strong portrayed Republican congresswoman in opening skit

Clémence Michallon
New York City
Sunday 31 January 2021 08:56 GMT
Comments
SNL mocks conspiracy theorist congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Saturday Night Live opened its first episode of 2021 with a politically charged skit, putting Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Covid vaccine rollout, and the stock market under the microscope.

Kate McKinnon presided over the skit as a serious, dismayed version of herself hosting a fictional TV programmed titled “What Still Works?”.

The aim of the segment was to determine what still functions as expected in today’s America.

The first subject examined by McKinnon was Congresswoman Greene, portrayed for the occasion by Cecily Strong. Greene has made headlines over recent days in relation to multiple controversies.

Also broached in the skit was the stock market, through the prism of the ongoing stock war opposing Wall Street and Reddit.

The sketch also referenced the fact that OJ Simpson has received the coronavirus vaccine. 

Toward the end of the skit, McKinnon – having reached the conclusion that most things in the US do not, in fact, still work – welcomed John Krasinski in the role of Tom Brady.

After a bit of back and forth, McKinnon weighed in and decided that Brady, who will play with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Kansas City Chiefs during the Super Bowl on 7 February, might be one of the few concepts still functioning as expected in contemporary America.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in