This week’s Saturday Night Live episode was a musical extravaganza, with host Timothée Chalamet marking the conclusion of the 118-day actors’ strike in a unique way. Chalamet, embracing the celebratory atmosphere, delivered a portion of his opening monologue channeling Willy Wonka. Adding to the musical flair, he resurrected his over-the-top SoundCloud rapper persona, Smoke Chedda Tha A$$ Getta, in a “Rap Roundtable” sketch dedicated to commemorating hip hop’s 50th anniversary.
Beyond the theatrics, the indie rock supergroup boygenius took the stage as the night’s musical guest. Comprising Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus, the trio made a stylish entrance in matching suits and ties, paying homage to The Beatles and eschewing any nod to a certain magazine known for covering music legends. They kicked off their performance with the infectious tune “Not Strong Enough,” delivering synchronized lyrics over a symphony of guitars. “The way I am, not strong enough to be your man/I try, I can’t stop staring at the ceiling fan and/Spinning out about things that haven’t happened/Breathing in and out,” they harmonized.
Returning later in matching black suits, boygenius unleashed a head-banging rendition of their song “Satanist,” accompanied by a cadre of backing musicians. The audience was captivated by the song’s tonal and signature shifts, and as the performance reached its climax, Baker theatrically tossed her guitar across the stage, prompting a roaring approval from the crowd. The night was a testament to the diverse musical talents on display, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained.
