An SNL Episode (Tipsy) (CREDIT: NBC/Screenshot)

Jeff “jmunney” Malone watches every new episode of Saturday Night Live and then reviews all the sketches and segments according to a “wacky” theme.

You are currently reading a review of the first new Saturday Night Live of December 2024. Speaking of firsts, this episode features a couple of first-time guests in the form of host Paul Mescal and musical guest Shaboozey.

As you might know, Paul Mescal isn’t the only person in the world named Paul. In fact, I have an uncle named Paul! So to review this episode, I will be taking a cue from Billy on the Street as I ask of each sketch: would my Uncle Paul like this? As far as I know, he doesn’t religiously keep up with SNL, but he’s an often-goofy guy known for his uproarious laughter who always appreciates a good flatulence-based gag.

Church Chat: Considering how many times Dana Carvey has played Enid Strict, I feel like Uncle Paul must have encountered Church Chat at some point back in the day. Anyway, this one was definitely a crowdpleaser.

Paul Mescal’s Monologue: I doubt Uncle Paul has ever seen anything that Paul Mescal starred in, but I’m sure he would get the joke of this monologue well enough.

Earring: There was a lot of escalation in this sketch, and I think that would make Uncle Paul laugh.

Gladiator Twosical: Uncle Paul doesn’t see very many movies in the theater, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he decided to go see Gladiator II, or maybe he’ll be satisfied with just a couple minutes of the twosical.

Capanelli’s Commercial: I don’t think Uncle Paul could resist a hearty spaghetti-based pun.

please don’t destroy: Paul Mescal is Daddy: The please don’t destroy boys are one of those things that I can’t imagine my Uncle Paul would ever discover on his own, but then someone would share one of their videos in the family text thread and he would reply “Hilarious!”

Swashbucklers: If you asked me to conjure up the perfect SNL sketch for Uncle Paul, I don’t think it would be anything like this crew of pirate dancers. But if you showed him these Swashbucklers, I’m sure he’d be laughing.

Shaboozey, “Good News”: Uncle Paul’s music taste runs a little bit country and a little bit rock ‘n’ roll, so the fact that Shaboozey leaned more country than hip hop in his first performance bodes quite well.

Weekend Update: The Jokes: My favorite joke from Michael and Colin this edition was the one about the wooden satellite making aliens think we’re poor, and I think Uncle Paul would appreciate that as well.
Weekend Update: A Mom Whose Son Just Got Famous: Like a lot of American men, Uncle Paul regularly watches professional gridiron football, so I’m willing to bet he would get the joke here.

Robbery Trial: I’m not sure how familiar Uncle Paul is with Devo, but the sight gag of all those guys in Devo-style costumes would surely get him going.

Shaboozey, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”: I’d be shocked if Uncle Paul had any idea that this song interpolates a certain J-Kwon track (that was performed on SNL 20 years ago), but I can see him raising his glass to Shaboozey nonetheless.

Spotify Wrapped: I can definitely see Uncle Paul cracking up over the reveal of Satoshi Gutman’s outfit.

A Complete Unknown Red Carpet: Uncle Paul doesn’t keep up with celebrity culture anywhere near as much as I do, but he knows who classic rockers like Bobby D., The Boss, and Bono are, so he would definitely appreciate these impressions.

Well, I hope you found that edifying. I probably won’t be speculating about one of my family members again when I review the December 14 episode, which will boast host Chris Rock and musical guest Gracie Abrams.