Beloved actor Tom Hanks—often hailed as America’s favorite leading man—is now under fire after reprising a controversial character on “Saturday Night Live’s” 50th anniversary special. Known for his warm, all-American persona and iconic roles like Forrest Gump and Cast Away, Hanks surprised audiences by stepping back into the role of “Doug,” a red-hat-wearing MAGA supporter on Black Jeopardy—and not everyone was laughing.
The sketch, led by Kenan Thompson and featuring legends like Eddie Murphy, Tracy Morgan, and Leslie Jones, opened the historic three-hour special. But Hanks’ portrayal quickly sparked a heated debate online.
Doug Returns… and So Does the Backlash
Wearing a signature MAGA hat and adopting a folksy Southern drawl, Hanks delivered lines that many viewers called “tone-deaf” and “divisive.” One particularly criticized moment came when Doug recoiled at the idea of shaking host Darnell Hayes’ (Thompson) hand—a bit that some interpreted as racially charged.
“Tom Hanks just came out on the SNL 50th anniversary special in a MAGA hat, doing a skit, where he acted like he didn’t want to shake a black man’s hand,” wrote one user on X. “This is why SNL is in the toilet.”
Another commenter took it further, accusing Hanks of “weaponizing racism” and turning serious issues into comedy for entertainment.
Is This Satire or Just Bad Timing?
While the Black Jeopardy sketch first debuted in 2016—during the height of MAGA-fueled division—it was initially praised for humanizing political opposites and poking fun at both sides. But in 2025, with the political climate still tense, many felt the bit didn’t age well.
“Tom Hanks’ SNL skit was a letdown. Cringe, tone-deaf, and divisive,” one viewer posted. “Do better, SNL.”
The original sketchwriters, Bryan Tucker and Michael Che, once praised Hanks’ portrayal for its humanity and surprise moments—like the now-famous handshake hesitation, which was reportedly improvised by Hanks himself.
A Matter of Perspective… or Legal Risk?
Controversial portrayals like this one raise not just social debate but sometimes even legal conversations—especially when satire walks the fine line between commentary and defamation. While there’s no indication of legal action against Hanks or NBC, incidents like this show how quickly a creative choice can spark public outrage—or even a claim of character harm or offense.
While satire is protected speech, actors and networks must consider the recovery of their public image after controversial choices. In some cases, hiring a PR attorney becomes essential when public figures or brands face calls for cancellation.
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Final Thought
Whether you view it as satire, misfire, or just poorly timed, one thing’s certain: even “America’s Dad” isn’t immune to controversy in 2025. As viewers continue debating whether the sketch was clever or cringeworthy, the Black Jeopardy performance serves as a stark reminder that comedy is no longer just about laughs—it’s about navigating a deeply divided cultural landscape.
Do you think Hanks went too far, or was this just bold comedy? Let us know in the comments.