Dave Chappelle lit up the Saturday Night Live stage once again, and this time, it was not just about the laughs. He opened the 2025 show with his longest monologue yet, reminding everyone why he is renowned for his craft. Chappelle took the chance to tackle several issues; however, his call for empathy stood out the most.
It is not Chappelle’s first time striking a chord on SNL, as his debut came right after a tense U.S. presidential election. Nearly a decade later, he is having to revisit the same theme, asking everyone — world leaders and everyday people alike — to treat others kindly.
Dave Chappelle hosts ‘SNL’ for the fourth time
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Chappelle’s first hosting opportunity on Saturday Night Live in 2016 had everyone discussing his raw and real take on a divided nation. By 2020, during a year filled with chaos, he returned with sharp wit, tackling big issues like the pandemic and political turmoil in the US.
He brought his A-game yet again two years later, turning personal experiences into crowd-pleasing punchlines. This time, which was Chappelle’s fourth hosting gig on SNL, seemed like the perfect mix of all his previous appearances — a bit of reflection, a lot of humor, and a big message for the future.
What was Dave Chappelle’s monologue about?
Chappelle proved that he knows how to keep his audience engaged with relatable issues. He spoke about the wildfires and ensuing celebrity drama and even admitted to almost turning down the hosting gig for that night. He also threw in a joke at the organizers about picking a date near a major political anniversary.
The 51-year-old addressed the chaos of the recent California wildfires, calling out trolls for their harsh comments on social media against celebrities who lost their homes. He did a bit on quirky crime stories and humorously reflected on past U.S. presidents. Amid the jokes, he drew comparisons between leadership and humanity.