Well, in its latest episode, Saturday Night Live (SNL) did just that, captivating audiences with a previously taped Weekend Update sketch titled “The White Potus.” This funny approach was a smartly successful parody of HBO’s wildly popular series The White Lotus. James Austin Johnson channeled former President Donald Trump in this memorable cold open. It paved the way for a pointed, scathing critique of excess and avarice.
In The White Potus, the story centers around President Trump’s appearance. This representation goes further than just inclusivity and heavily calls back to the themes of the original series. The short opens with Piper, played by Sarah Catherine Hook. She finds it difficult to divest herself from her avarice and earthly goods. This character’s journey, from innocence to degradation, is what the show is all about. It establishes a funny comparison that fans of the series will really enjoy.
His sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, provide ample comedic relief. They star as the smoothie-making sibling entrepreneurs, played by Mikey Day and Alex Moffat. Their interactions contribute to the sketch’s playful tone, as Mikey Day’s character delivers a memorable line:
“I told you, Eric, if you want to be a man, you gotta start having shakes.” – Mikey Day
Mikey Day and Alex Moffat are both returning to SNL, reuniting them for a new season and bringing a thrilling new wave of nostalgia with them. Longtime viewers nostalgically remember their chemistry from other seasons. The sketch ends with a look at the real-life White Lotus finale. Casting Jon Gries as his character, Greg/Gary, really makes the connection between the two stories feel even more powerful.
In one particularly notable sequence, Lizzo seems to be mimicking a crucial scene in The White Lotus finale. She humorously expresses shock at her financial windfall with the line:
“Oh my God, there’s $5 million in my bank account.” – Lizzo
This comedic twist only deepens the overarching satire of material wealth that exists through the entire sketch.
The White PotaTu$ is a work of political satire and pop culture commentary. This unique mixture allows SNL to focus on current issues while engaging its viewers with well-known characters and references. As fans of both SNL and The White Lotus continue to discuss the sketch, it becomes evident that humor serves as a powerful tool in addressing societal issues.
