Ashley Padilla and Marcello Hernández Reflect on Season 51’s Memorable Sketches and Their Excitement for New Ideas After a Milestone 50th with Director Liz Patrick – Contenders TV
Comedians Shine at Roundtable Discussion on SNL Season 51
During a lively discussion, repertory player Marcello Hernández and featured player Ashley Padilla entertained the audience by reflecting on some of their most memorable sketches from the current season of Saturday Night Live. Highlights included Hernández’s impression of comedian Sebastian Maniscalco and Padilla’s humorous anecdotes about her mother.
Hernández delivered his impression on stage, playfully ribbing moderator Peter White: “We got a British guy. He looks at Ashley Padilla and he goes, ‘You’re not bad.’ I mean the blatant disrespect.” This remark came after Padilla shared her initial apprehension about her comedic abilities as she entered Season 51.
“I was worried,” Padilla admitted, explaining that limited screen time in the previous 50th season had her doubting the possibilities for the new season. Contrary to her expectations, she has now accumulated more screen time than any other cast member this season—both featured and repertory. Her sketches have garnered significant praise, marking her evolution from a supporting role to a key player in the ensemble.
Reflecting on her journey, Padilla noted, “I think I was nervous that I was bad, and I went in feeling just a little like, ‘I hope I get something on.’” She recounted her experience during the first episode featuring Bad Bunny, where she appeared only briefly, leading to moments of uncertainty in her dressing room. However, she quickly began to find her footing. “It was a ride, and it just taught me to be patient. It’s going to be what it is, and you can’t force anything,” she explained. “So I kind of sat back and was like, ‘We’ll see what happens, and I’m just gonna write what I think is funny, and hopefully, they don’t hate me.’”
In contrast, Hernández expressed a sense of gratitude as he navigated the season. “I go into every season remembering that I used to sell medicine on the phone,” he said, reflecting on his previous career. “So it’s kind of all gravy to me a little bit. I feel lucky. My mom is a very scary woman, and she doesn’t let me complain or get nervous or anything like that. So I just kind of take it one day at a time and try to work hard so that I don’t regret [anything] later.”
The panel also featured SNL director Liz Patrick, who shared her excitement for the new season after the monumental effort of producing the show’s 50th anniversary edition. “After the 50th anniversary show, I was like, ‘Oh, nothing will ever be that hard again, nothing.’ I think we all walked into 51, or at least I did, just excited and ready to try new things,” she stated.
The engaging discussion ultimately highlighted the creativity and resilience of the SNL team as they continue to evolve in Season 51.
