Dave Chappelle Shines on Saturday Night Live amid California Wildfires

In a highly anticipated return to Saturday Night Live (SNL), comedian Dave Chappelle took the stage on January 13, 2025, delivering a monologue that creatively intertwined humor and current events. Opening with a statement on the devastating wildfires in California, Chappelle remarked, ‘I don’t want to make light of a serious situation, but if these fires keep up, I might have to change my password to ‘firefighting.’ His remarks made a somber reference to the ongoing crisis affecting not only residents but also numerous evacuations and air quality issues. Chappelle also didn’t shy away from mentioning political topics, highlighting the ongoing discourse surrounding former President Donald Trump’s recent statements and actions. He quipped, ‘Trump’s like that bad smell that just won’t go away,’ drawing laughter from the audience. Additionally, he humorously included a nod to his friendship with music mogul P. Diddy, stating, ‘If Diddy had a dollar for every time I said something outrageous… well, he’d have enough to buy me back my rights.’ Overall, Chappelle’s performance exhibited his unique blend of humor while touching on pertinent social issues faced by the audience. As part of season 50, episode 11, this show was particularly notable not just for Chappelle’s return but also for ensuring that he tackled significant topics without diminishing their severity.