Glo Up (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.

OMG, it’s 2025 already? Indeed, we’re more than halfway through January. Well, with that in mind, I’m gonna go ahead and talk about the first new SNL of the calendar year, which undeniably had the guest lineup of Dave Chappelle and GloRilla.

For the theme of this review, I’m going to A to B to C things. As you may know, another famous guy with a similar name as our host is photographer-director David LaChapelle, who has his own connection to this late night institution, having recently shot the recent SNL-centric cover story for New York Magazine. So I’ll analyze each sketch and segment by asking the question: Would David LaChapelle Like This? (For reference, LaChappelle is known for his colorful music videos like Christina Aguilera’s “Dirrty,” as well as the krumping documentary Rize.)

Would David LaChapelle Like MSNBC Reports?: I imagine David LaChapelle keeps up with current events, though I suspect that it’s not his favorite thing to think about.

Would David LaChapelle Like Dave Chappelle’s Monologue?: Surely LaChapelle and Chappelle must be aware of each other, and apparently the former has actually taken photos of the latter. But are they fans of each other? Hard to say. They’re both pretty transgressive, but in different ways. So I imagine at the very least that they understand each other.

Would David LaChapelle Like the Immigrant Dad Talk Show?: I think LaChapelle is pretty plugged into American culture, so I bet he would recognize what the Immigrant Dad Show is throwing down.

Would David LaChapelle Like the Fire Evacuation: Man, this one is so over-the-top that I am just so dang sure David LaChapelle would be cackling.

Would David LaChapelle Like GloRilla’s performance of “Yeah Glo!”: If David LaChapelle were watching GloRilla do her thing on Studio 8H, he would definitely see someone that he could collaborate with.

Would David LaChapelle Like Michael and Colin’s Weekend Update Jokes?: I think LaChapelle would appreciate Jost and Che for similar reasons as the Immigrant Dad Talk Show.
Would David LaChapelle Like Michael Longfellow on Weekend Update?: Is David LaChapelle a TikTok aficionado? Discuss.
Would David LaChapelle Like The Original Nosferatu on Weekend Update?: Oh come on, if David LaChapelle isn’t already a fan of Sarah Sherman, he surely must be soon.
Would David LaChapelle Like the Police Report?: There wasn’t anything particularly LaChapelle-esque about this sketch, but it was my favorite of the episode, so I’m going to say “yes.”

Would David LaChapelle Like GloRilla’s performance of “Whatchu Kno About Me” and “Let Her Cook”: I bet this medley would remind Daivd LaChapelle of the 90s, in a good way.

Would David LaChapelle Like Pop the Balloon Or Find Love?: I don’t know much about LaChapelle’s relationship history, but he’s been around for a while, so I bet he could relate.

Well, hopefully you all found that edifying. Next up on the SNL-related agenda is the January 25, 2025 episode with host Timothée Chalamet and musical guest Timothée Chalamet.