Late-night television, once a beacon of humor, satire, and cultural commentary, has faced mounting criticism in recent years 

for its seemingly one-note approach to addressing political figures, particularly former President Donald Trump. 

Among the most notable examples is *Saturday Night Live* (SNL), a show that has long prided itself on sharp political satire but has, 

in the eyes of some viewers, become predictable in its routines targeting Trump. 

Critics argue that the show’s attempts to lampoon Trump have often leaned on repetitive jokes and exaggerated characterizations rather than offering fresh, incisive comedy. 

This trend has led to fatigue among audiences, with some lamenting that SNL’s political sketches lack the depth and creativity that once defined its legacy.

One of the recurring critiques of SNL’s approach to Trump is its tendency to rely heavily on celebrity impersonations rather than focusing on the substance of the humor itself. Alec Baldwin’s portrayal of Trump, while initially well-received, eventually became emblematic of this issue. What began as a biting, humorous caricature gradually devolved into what some critics describe as a “scold routine,” with the focus shifting from clever satire to repetitive jabs that merely reiterated the same points about Trump’s character and policies. The result? Audiences who had initially tuned in for the novelty and sharpness of Baldwin’s performance grew weary of the lack of innovation in the material.

This sentiment isn’t limited to SNL; late-night hosts across the board have also faced similar criticism. Shows like *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert*, *Late Night with Seth Meyers*, and *Real Time with Bill Maher* have often dedicated significant portions of their programming to critiquing Trump, sometimes to the detriment of variety in their comedic content. While political humor has long been a staple of late-night television, many viewers feel that the relentless focus on Trump has overshadowed other topics and made the humor feel more like a lecture than a source of entertainment. In particular, the frequent reliance on outrage rather than wit has left some audiences longing for the more nuanced and balanced satire that characterized earlier eras of late-night comedy.

SNL’s attempts to address this issue have been met with mixed success. While the show occasionally veers into other political or cultural topics, its Trump-related sketches often dominate the narrative. Critics argue that this overreliance has not only dulled the impact of the jokes but has also failed to resonate with audiences who may already feel inundated with news and commentary about Trump in other media outlets. In a cultural landscape where news about Trump is seemingly ubiquitous, viewers might hope for something different from late-night television and SNL—a chance to laugh at the absurdities of life beyond the political realm.

One of the challenges for SNL and other late-night programs is the rapidly evolving nature of political discourse in the digital age. With social media amplifying every headline and opinion, the traditional model of weekly or nightly satire struggles to keep pace with the immediacy of online humor. Memes, tweets, and viral videos often beat traditional television to the punch, delivering biting commentary in real-time. As a result, late-night shows face increased pressure to not only stay relevant but to offer a perspective that feels fresh and distinct from what audiences have already encountered online.

For SNL, this challenge is compounded by the long-standing expectations tied to its legacy. The show’s golden years are often cited as a benchmark, with iconic political sketches from the likes of Chevy Chase, Dana Carvey, and Tina Fey serving as examples of how to balance humor, critique, and originality. Comparisons to these eras highlight the ways in which the current approach to political satire, particularly regarding Trump, may fall short of the show’s own high standards.

Ultimately, the criticism of SNL’s “anti-Trump scold routines” reflects a broader conversation about the role of satire in today’s media landscape. While humor has the power to challenge authority, provoke thought, and spark dialogue, it risks losing its effectiveness when it becomes overly predictable or one-dimensional. For audiences seeking entertainment that both informs and amuses, the repetitive nature of late-night political humor can feel like a missed opportunity. Whether SNL and its late-night counterparts will evolve to meet these expectations remains an open question, but one thing is clear: the audience is ready for something more dynamic, creative, and inclusive of the many absurdities and complexities that define our world today.

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