The 70th Emmys was a popular night for the Saturday Night Live cast and crew, which isn’t unfamiliar territory. Not only was the show SNL-filled from top to bottom, thanks to hosts Michael Che and Colin Jost, but the sketch series had taken home an Emmy for Outstanding Variety Sketch Series. Tiffany Haddish had also taken home a Primetime Emmy for Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for SNL. The series was nominated for Outstanding Writing as well as numerous Supporting Actress/Actor and Guest Actress/Actor roles.
The Emmys started out with Saturday Night Live’s very own Kate McKinnon and Kenan Thompson, who busted out with a song as an ode to Hollywood’s lack of diversity. Let’s face it, who didn’t expect a song? It’s a classic SNL move. McKinnon started out by saying, “Tonight is a celebration of the hard work and the talent of everyone in this room.” Kenan added in “That’s right. We’re also celebrating the fact that this years Emmy awards has the most diverse group of nominees in Emmy history.” You can watch the full clip below.
Colin Jost and Michael Che’s monologue was essentially the longest running segment of Weekend Update ever. And while some thoroughly enjoyed that, others were displeased. They did have some fantastic jokes prepared, as always, however. Jost had some good laughs and cheers with his joke about when the Emmys started: “The first Emmys were held back in 1949. Things were very different back then. Gas was 17 cents a gallon. A new home cost 7 thousand dollars. And we all agreed that Nazi’s were bad.”
Michael Che got some good laughs as well with a few of his jokes: “Even on a great show like ‘Cheers’. I love ‘Cheers’, but you’re telling me that they made a show about an all-white sports bar in 1980s Boston and not one black dude walked in, saw everybody, and then walked right back out again?” Che also presented a video skit called “Reparations Emmys“.
You can check out their opening monologue below.
Alum cast members Maya Rudolph and Fred Armisen graced the showed with a small skit that popped in and out from time to time.
Let us face it, the 70th Emmys were full-fledged SNL themed and I don’t know about you, but I loved it. Some may disagree with me and that’s totally okay. Still, it was a great night for Saturday Night Live, which is, in fact, going on its 44th season at the end of this month. Adam Driver will be the host with Kanye West as the musical guest. Get ready, it premieres September 29th, 11:30 PM EST.