Originally published in The Latino Newsletter–reprinted with permission.
It took SNL only 50 years to realize that if it leaned into U.S. Latinidad with fresh writing and cultural takes, it might become a go-to show for the country’s Latino population. Saturday night’s “Sábado Gigante” skit was perhaps the most brilliant Latino-centric moment in the history of the show. (Ok, I might give you the “Age of Discovery” bit from 2023, which renewed my faith that SNL has an opportunity to expand audiences.)
Still, it’s safe to say that when it comes to Latinos, SNL and comedy, “Sábado Gigante” is now the new standard. It resonated on so many levels, not only because the original institution of a show with Don Francisco was a staple for so many Latino families back in the day (the kitschiness, the weirdness, the schlock, all of it felt strangely comforting back then), but SNL went straight after how cultures can mix in this country and produce laughs.
If you haven’t seen the full skit, enjoy it.
Marcello Hernández crushed it, and I can’t think of a better uncomfortable American than Nate Bargatze to play the role of the unsuspecting contestant. It reminds me of the days when I had to explain the Sábado Gigante phenomenon to my non-Latino friends.
It’s about time. Apparently, many agree that this skit is exactly what we all needed.
Even Don Francisco agreed.