Comedy is always changing with the times, which means something that may have been considered funny a few years ago, might not be anymore. In that vein, Will Ferrell recently opened up about regretting playing Janet Reno on Saturday Night Live. Now, SNL boss Lorne Michaels has responded to those comments.
While Will Ferrell and Harper Steele were chatting with the NYT about their documentary on Netflix’s 2024 schedule, Will & Harper – which documents a road trip they took as Steele navigated her life after her transition – they also opened up about their time on SNL. Of course, Ferrell is one of the biggest stars SNL has produced and his best friend was a writer there years ago. So, they reflected on how their comedy has aged.
They both explained that it’s normal and likely for some comedy not to age gracefully, but the one example that “hits a false note now” that was specifically brought up was Janet Reno. Ferrell dressed in drag to play the former attorney general, and both he and Steele agreed that that’s not something they’d do now:
Ferrell: That’s something I wouldn’t choose to do now.
Steele: This kind of bums me out. I understand the laugh is a drag laugh. It’s, “Hey, look at this guy in a dress, and that’s funny.” It’s absolutely not funny. It’s absolutely a way that we should be able to live in the world.
However, Steele also explained that she does “wonder if sometimes we take away the joy of playing when we take away some of the range that performers, especially comedy performers, can do,” using Robin Williams playing a gay man in The Birdcage as an example.
Now, SNL’s boss Lorne Michaels has responded to Ferrell’s comments and shared his take on how comedy evolves.
As Saturday Night Live’s 50th season approaches its premiere on the 2024 TV schedule, Lorne Michaels spoke about the show’s history and the stars it has produced with THR. This included him saying he “loved” Ferrell and Steele’s documentary and opening up about his former colleagues' comments about the Janet Reno sketch.
In response to the two comedians specific quotes, Michaels said:
My feeling always is trust the audience. We do a dress rehearsal, and you can tell when something just has a bad feeling to it. It gets the laugh, but it’s the wrong kind, and generally it stops there. But I saw that they were discussing Will playing Janet Reno, and there was a sweetness to it. We liked his Janet Reno. So, I understand why it’s inappropriate now, but somebody has to speak up to the inappropriate, and that generally is us.
Considering he has been in charge of SNL for basically its entire 50-year run, he’s familiar with how comedy evolves with the times, and his answer seems to confirm that. He explained that he understood why Ferrell dressing in drag to play Janet Reno is “inappropriate now.” However, he also noted that when they make the show they trust the laughs they get, and at the time, the ones they got didn’t feel “wrong.”
All this is to say, like culture, comedy is always evolving and changing with the times. What was considered OK back then, might not be now, and it’s important to have conversations about why that is, which is exactly what happened here.
SNL's Evolution: From Drag Laughs to Social Consciousness
While Ferrell has expressed regret, Michaels' perspective highlights how comedic sensibilities shift over time. This shift in humor reflects a broader evolution in societal views and understanding of sensitivity. It reflects a growing awareness of the power of representation and the importance of avoiding jokes that perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
However, the conversation also raises a critical question: where do we draw the line between creative freedom and the need for responsible humor? Steele’s point about “taking away the joy of playing” adds another layer of complexity to this debate. Is it possible to have both? Is there a way to create comedy that is both entertaining and socially conscious?
The conversation around Ferrell’s Janet Reno sketch ultimately underscores the ongoing evolution of comedy and the importance of reflecting on the impact of our jokes.
Will & Harper: A Friendship Forged in Laughter and Truth
Beyond the conversation about comedy, Will & Harper, a documentary that follows Ferrell and Steele’s road trip, promises to be a heartfelt and insightful look at their unique friendship. The documentary, which will be available on Netflix on September 27, highlights the challenges and rewards of navigating life, love, and acceptance. It will explore the powerful nature of forgiveness and the importance of understanding one another.
While Ferrell might regret some of his past comedic choices, his willingness to engage in open and honest conversations about them shows a willingness to learn and evolve. Steele’s journey of coming out as a trans woman and their shared exploration of these issues promise to make Will & Harper a truly impactful and poignant documentary.
The documentary’s release provides a compelling opportunity to engage in conversations about the evolution of comedy and the importance of understanding and respecting diverse perspectives. As Ferrell and Steele navigate their evolving friendship, their journey might inspire others to do the same, fostering empathy and understanding in a world that needs it more than ever.
