Colman Domingo Shines in His ‘SNL’ Debut, Even with Limited Material
Colman Domingo made a noteworthy debut on Saturday Night Live, showcasing a natural talent for sketch comedy that belies his lack of hosting experience. The Emmy-winning star of Euphoria seamlessly engaged with the audience, demonstrating a strong command of stage presence despite the evening’s uneven material.
Domingo’s initial monologue set a high bar, as his rich vocal tone infused an R&B vibe into the performance. With stylistic finesse, he effortlessly communicated an inviting atmosphere, stating, “When you come to my house, the vibes are spectacular.”
As he serenaded the crowd, Domingo highlighted the universal appeal of his sultry style, even encouraging a guest, Jeremy Culhane, to strike a pose for the cameras. A couple spotted in the audience shared an intimate moment, prompting Domingo to comment humorously on their bold display.
While Domingo’s charisma shone throughout the night, many sketches struggled to meet the expectations set by his charm. Season 51 has faced criticism for its repetitive jokes and stagnant pacing, an issue also experienced by fellow first-time host Teyana Taylor earlier in the season.
One standout sketch featured Domingo as D’artagnan Meringue, a flamboyant professor. In a humorous twist, he redirected the conversation about a robbery back to his own fashion choices, declaring, “Be on the lookout for a mess!” The sketch also included amusing contributions from Mikey Day and Chloe Fineman, who sported a comically oversized hat.
Despite a strong start, sketches later in the show faltered. In a parody of Artemis II vlogs, Domingo’s earnest astronaut character clashed with the goofiness of his co-stars. Another sketch mirrored the tone of Dead Poets Society, where Domingo portrayed a wildly unconventional teacher whose chaotic instruction style hindered learning.
A funeral-themed sketch allowed Domingo to showcase his range, as he briefly portrayed one of four shockingly inappropriate mourners. The sketch featured strong moments from Kenan Thompson, James Austin Johnson, and Weekend Update co-anchor Colin Jost, who appeared to enjoy the comedic scenario.
Following this, a pre-taped segment featured a humorous exploration of confidence gained at a barbershop, with Domingo, Thompson, and Kam Patterson crafting engaging performances. Another sketch fell into the familiar territory of surreal humor, as Sarah Sherman found herself unintentional subjected to a bizarre transformation.
During the Weekend Update segment, both Colin Jost and Michael Che delivered sharp commentary, with Jost humorously referencing a fictional social media post purportedly from Donald Trump. Che also contributed pointed remarks about ongoing geopolitical tensions.
While Jane Wickline’s comedic moments often resonated, her portrayal of a “Gen Z sexpert” failed to land effectively. In contrast, Patterson and Hernández excelled in their playful banter about current issues, blending childish humor with astute observations.
In a musical highlight, Brazilian artist Anitta debuted her new collaboration with Shakira, performing “Choka Choka” and “Várias Quejas,” adding a vibrant note to the evening.
