-(4)-1731951738-q80.webp){kind=small}
Actor Tom Hanks made a surprise return to Saturday Night Live (SNL) during the show’s three-hour 50th-anniversary special, reprising his role as a Trump supporter in a new edition of the skit Black Jeopardy.
Hanks originally played “Doug” in a 2016 SNL sketch, wearing a Make America Great Again (MAGA) hat while competing in a fictional game show. The skit became widely discussed for its unexpected portrayal of common ground between Doug and Black contestants on issues like government distrust.
On Sunday, Hanks returned to the role, dressed in a denim jacket and a shirt featuring an American Eagle, topped with the familiar red MAGA hat.
The sketch, hosted by Kenan Thompson as game show host Darnell Hayes, opened with a joke referencing Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance: “Welcome to Black Jeopardy, the only Jeopardy where every single viewer fully understood Kendrick’s halftime performance.”
Hanks’ character made a late entrance, replacing Eddie Murphy, who had been impersonating longtime SNL cast member Tracy Morgan. As Doug, Hanks correctly identified The Church Lady, a character originally portrayed by comedian Dana Carvey.
“Speaking of church, can I say something? If more people went to church, we wouldn’t be in this mess we’re in now,” Hanks said in a Southern accent, earning an approving nod from Thompson’s character.
“You’re welcome at Black Jeopardy anytime,” Thompson responded.
“Well, thank you, my brother,” Hanks replied. “Maybe I’ll start a show for you to come on and we’ll call it White Jeopardy.”
“We don’t need it,” Thompson shot back, mirroring the humor from the 2016 skit.
As in the original version, Doug initially hesitated to shake hands with Thompson’s character before eventually relenting.
The sketch quickly sparked reactions online, with some Trump supporters criticizing it for being outdated and misrepresenting MAGA voters.
Mario Nawfal, host of The Roundtable Show, called the skit a “tone-deaf moment” in a post on social media platform X.
“Hollywood still doesn’t get it: Portraying Trump supporters as racist caricatures while he’s winning record minority support. SNL’s trying 2016 jokes in 2025,” Nawfal said.
While some fans appreciated the return of a well-known sketch, others felt SNL’s take on MAGA culture was no longer as relevant as it had been nearly a decade ago. The special marked the latest instance of SNL using satire to address American politics, continuing its long history of political humor that has often divided audiences.
Hanks, a frequent SNL guest, was one of many celebrities who made appearances throughout the night. The special, celebrating 50 years of the iconic comedy show, included tributes to legendary cast members, throwback sketches, and guest spots from longtime hosts and comedians.
As the debate over Black Jeopardy’s latest edition continues online, SNL remains a focal point for political comedy, consistently blending humor and controversy in its portrayal of modern American culture.
