In a recent episode of Saturday Night Live, cast members Marcello Hernández dressed up as Friday’s NYC-area earthquake, while Kenan Thompson played the role of Monday’s solar eclipse in a humorous sketch. The two natural disasters engaged in a lighthearted argument over which event was more powerful, with both poking fun at Mayor Eric Adams’ response to the earthquake. Despite their differences, they ultimately decided to team up for maximum disruption, with the earthquake striking again on Monday as the solar eclipse caused several minutes of darkness.
Hernández initially bragged about the impact of the earthquake, noting how it caused a stir in the metro area and resulted in flights being delayed for 30 minutes. The earthquake, considered the strongest to hit near New York City in 140 years, overshadowed other news stories of the day, including a man assaulting women in Manhattan. When questioned about identifying as the NYC earthquake despite originating in New Jersey, Hernández joked about being a transplant who had moved to the city, adding to the comedic banter between the two actors.
Thompson, in the role of the solar eclipse, dramatically confronted the earthquake, accusing it of trying to steal his thunder. The pair engaged in playful banter about the potential chaos their combined forces could create, joking about confusing dogs and causing biblical-level disruptions. The sketch also satirized the city’s delayed response to the earthquake, with Thompson mocking Hizzoner and the city’s emergency alert system that was sent out 13 minutes after the quake to advise residents to remain indoors and call 911 if injured.
The SNL sketch found humor in two headline-making natural events, bringing a comedic twist to the seriousness of an earthquake and a solar eclipse. The actors’ playful portrayal of the earthquake and eclipse engaging in a battle for supremacy provided a humorous take on the impact and aftermath of these phenomena. The sketch also highlighted the ability of comedy to tackle difficult topics in a light-hearted and entertaining way, providing viewers with a moment of levity in the midst of real-world events. The comedic banter between Thompson and Hernández added to the entertainment value of the sketch, with both actors delivering their lines with comedic timing and flair. Overall, the SNL sketch offered a fun and amusing perspective on two significant events in a way that allowed viewers to laugh and enjoy the performance.
