Dave Chappelle’s 2020 Opening Monologue 

Talk about a night to remember! On the same day the U.S. announced Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as President and Vice-President Elect, “Saturday Night Live” host Dave Chappelle performed a monologue that touched on key moments of the year: Coronavirus, the 2020 Presidential Race, and the empathy needed to restore healing in our nation. His performance is cemented as one of  SNL’s highest-rated episodes in three and a half years with a 2.62 rating, since host Melissa McCarthy and musical guest Haim posted a 2.74 rating on May 13, 2017. (The Wrap) 

“Remember when I was here four years ago, remember how bad that felt? Remember that half the country right now still feels that way,” Chappelle said, in reference to his first hosting appearance addressing the shock of Trump’s election victory, Black Lives Matter, and unrest in Portland, Oregon.

Chappelle’s 2016 Opening Monologue 

Following his powerful opener, Chappelle linked up with Maya Rudolph and Kenan Thompson to address the pandemic’s role in corporate cutbacks featuring branded caricatures Aunt Jemimiah and Uncle Ben.