Tucker Carlson Returns to ‘SNL’ to Review ‘The Odyssey,’ Gender-Neutral ‘Spider-Man’ and Left-Wing ‘Obsession’

On the inaugural "Weekend Update" segment of "Saturday Night Live" Season 52, comedian Jeremy Culhane reprised his popular impression of conservative media personality Tucker Carlson. Culhane, embodying Carlson's distinctive cadence and rhetorical style, delivered a satirical review of contemporary cultural phenomena, focusing on perceived liberal agendas within Hollywood productions. A significant portion of the commentary was directed at "The Odyssey," a film that, according to the impression, utilizes the specialty IMAX 70mm format. Carlson, through Culhane's portrayal, suggested that this high-fidelity film format is employed by a "Hollywood cabal" to disseminate "filth" and promote their ideological viewpoints. This critique taps into a broader narrative often espoused by the real Tucker Carlson, who frequently questions the motivations and artistic integrity of mainstream entertainment, particularly when it deviates from traditional themes or incorporates progressive social messages. The impressionist further satirized the concept of a hypothetical gender-neutral "Spider-Man" film. Carlson, in character, framed this speculative project as a manifestation of "left-wing obsession," implying that such creative choices are driven by ideological mandates rather than genuine storytelling merit. This aligns with Carlson's well-documented skepticism towards increased diversity and representation in media, which he often frames as a departure from established norms and a sign of cultural decline. Culhane's performance effectively mimicked Carlson's characteristic use of loaded language and his tendency to present cultural issues as ideological battles. The segment's humor was derived from the exaggerated application of Carlson's real-world commentary style to fictionalized or speculative entertainment scenarios, highlighting perceived absurdities in both media content and the public discourse surrounding it. "Weekend Update," a long-standing staple of "Saturday Night Live," provides a platform for anchors and guest commentators to offer humorous and often satirical takes on current events and pop culture. Culhane's recurring impression of Tucker Carlson has become a notable element of the show, enabling "SNL" to engage in political satire by lampooning prominent figures and their viewpoints. The choice of "The Odyssey" and a gender-neutral "Spider-Man" as focal points for the satire suggests an attempt to engage with current public conversations and offer a comedic counterpoint to prevailing narratives, particularly those amplified by conservative media figures. The segment's effectiveness relies on the audience's familiarity with both "Saturday Night Live's" comedic approach and Tucker Carlson's public persona and his characteristic commentary on media and societal trends.