Coronavirus: Tom Hanks presides over remote version of ‘SNL’

It was Saturday Night Remote.

People looking for a laugh during sober times were rewarded by the cast of “Saturday Night Live,” which returned with original material via remote as the coronavirus has the nation shuttered.

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The opening sketch set the tone, as all 17 cast members joined in a video call, ending with Kate McKinnon exclaiming, “Live from Zoom, it’s sometime between March and August." It was unusual not to see the show not being carried live from its usual home at Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center, The New York Times reported.

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Tom Hanks, a frequent host on “SNL” who went public with his COVID-19 diagnosis last month, performed the opening monologue from his home. Chris Martin was the musical guest, and Larry David reprised his role as Sen. Bernie Sanders. Alec Baldwin called into “Weekend Update” as President Donald Trump.

“It’s good to be here, but it’s also weird to be here hosting ‘Saturday Night Live’ from home,” Hanks said. “It is a strange time to try and be funny, but trying to be funny is ‘SNL’s’ whole thing, so what the heck, let’s give it a shot.

“And we’re not really live, but we’re doing everything we can to make this feel like the ‘SNL’ you know and love.”

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Hanks made reference to his medical condition, joking that, “Ever since being diagnosed I have been more like America’s dad than ever before, since no one wants to be around me very long and I make people uncomfortable."

McKinnon played Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, wearing granny glasses and a shirt adorned with the legend, “Super Diva!” She then did a sketch hosting her own home workout program, lifting Q-tips and punching tea bags.

“(Senate Majority Leader) Mitch McConnell said that the administration didn’t focus on the virus because they were too distracted by impeachment,” McKinnon said. “I mean, are you in Congress or Parliament? Because your timeline is funkadelic.”

The show also had sketches about a reality dating show for people coming out of quarantine, mentions about social distancing, jokes at the expense of the Zoom app and reminders to wash hands.

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Former cast members, including Adam Sandler, Tina Fey, Fred Armisen, Bill Hadler and Maya Rudolphi sent messages, Variety reported. That included a special song to pay tribute for music producer Hal Willner, who died earlier this week after experiencing coronavirus symptoms.

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“SNL’s” last live episode was broadcast March 7, with Daniel Craig hosting and Weeknd the musical guest, the Times reported. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who had just dropped out of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, was a surprise guest in the opening of the show.

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