The recent Tom Hanks SNL controversy took many by surprise, particularly among Republican viewers who reacted strongly to his sketch on the show’s 50th anniversary. The performance featured a callback to Hanks’s character Doug from “Black Jeopardy!” which first appeared in a 2016 episode. In the sketch, Doug, a Donald Trump supporter wearing a MAGA hat, reignited debates about political stereotypes and the boundaries of comedy.
In the original scene, Doug avoided shaking host Darnell Hayes’s hand—played by Kenan Thompson—and humorously suggested a spin-off called “White Jeopardy!” The anniversary sketch saw Hanks reprise this role, as Doug declined another handshake and joked about creating a version of the show for white contestants. This moment triggered backlash among Republican audiences who felt marginalized.
On social media, some conservative fans accused Hanks of mocking them, with one user claiming the bit insulted half the country. Despite the anger, many viewers viewed it as typical political satire, reflecting SNL’s tradition of commentary on current events. This controversy highlights the growing divide over political humor today.
