SNL’s Parody of ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3: Highlights and Cameos
This week’s episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL) presented a humorous take on Season 3 of HBO’s “The White Lotus,” combining elements of political satire with the show’s dramatic narrative. The pre-taped segment cleverly mirrored the chaos in former President Donald Trump’s inner circle amidst economic turmoil related to tariffs.
The Trump Parody
James Austin Johnson portrayed a Trump-like character reminiscent of Timothy Ratliff, played by Jason Isaacs in the original series. In this parody, Trump’s family dynamics are humorously aligned with the Ratliff family, featuring Chloe Fineman as Melania Trump adopting a southern accent similar to that of Parker Posey’s character. Meanwhile, Mikey Day reprised his role as Donald Trump Jr., delivering an unexpected comedy twist involving Tiger Woods, portrayed by Kenan Thompson.
Star-Studded Cameos
The episode featured a variety of cameos, enhancing the comedic experience. Notably, Scarlett Johansson returned as Ivanka Trump, along with former cast member Alex Moffat reprising his role as Eric, and Beck Bennett once again taking on the persona of Vladimir Putin.
Guest Host and Musical Performance
Jon Hamm, who hosted the episode, took on the role of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and engaged in a playful skit alongside Sarah Sherman, who portrayed Chelsea, originally characterized by Aimee Lou Wood in “The White Lotus.” Musician Lizzo also made an appearance, creatively adapting her performance to reference the show’s character Belinda within the context of a financial joke.
Additional Cast Insights
The parody included contributions from real-life cast member Jon Gries, who made a quick cameo as Greg, a character from the original series. Additionally, the notable “three women” storyline featured Ashley Padilla as Pam Bondi and Heidi Gardner as Kristi Noem, with Marcello Hernández stepping into the role of Marco Rubio.
Cultural Impact of the Original Series
The choice to parody “The White Lotus” was timely, given the show’s intense season finale, which had generated extensive discussion and brought in record ratings for the series. The blend of drama and dark humor in both the show and SNL’s sketch highlights the ongoing cultural relevance of the series and its satirical commentary on society and politics.