“Saturday Night Live” Takes a Jab at SAG-AFTRA’s Halloween Costume Rules Amid Ongoing Strike

In a recent episode of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), the popular sketch comedy show humorously addressed the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) guidelines concerning Halloween costumes for striking actors.

Key Takeaways:

• “Saturday Night Live” humorously addressed SAG-AFTRA’s Halloween costume guidelines for striking actors.
• Sarah Sherman portrayed SAG president Fran Drescher, advising against costumes from struck movies and TV shows.
• The union issued guidelines prohibiting actors from dressing as popular characters from struck content and posting photos on social media.
• The ongoing actors’ strike began on July 14, with SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers resuming talks recently.

SNL’s Comedic Take

During a particular sketch, Sarah Sherman appeared as SAG president Fran Drescher, intervening when children were seen trick-or-treating in costumes from movies and TV shows that are currently on strike. Sherman’s Drescher humorously educated a couple, portrayed by Ego Nwodim and host Nate Bargatze, on the do’s and don’ts of Halloween costumes during a strike. She emphasized that promoting struck companies would label the children as “adorable scabs.”

The Real Guidelines

Last week, SAG-AFTRA released guidelines for its striking actors in preparation for Halloween. These guidelines strictly prohibit actors from dressing up as renowned characters from struck content, such as Barbie and Wednesday Addams, and then sharing those images on social platforms. However, SNL’s version of Drescher offered alternative costume ideas that wouldn’t violate the rules. Suggestions included “Harry Potter as described only in the book” and “minor characters from the Bible who haven’t been featured in any film adaptation.”

The Larger Picture

The sketch also touched upon the broader issues surrounding the ongoing strike. When confronted with the unhappiness of the children due to the costume restrictions, Sherman’s Drescher responded by highlighting the challenges actors face against movie studios. She drew a parallel between negotiating with studios and trick-or-treating, emphasizing the actors’ demand for a fair share of the industry’s profits.

The SAG-AFTRA strike commenced on July 14 after initial contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) broke down. This past week, both parties resumed discussions over a potential new three-year agreement.

SNL’s Broader Commentary

The episode didn’t just stop at the Halloween costume sketch. In the SNL cold open, a portrayal of President Joe Biden, played by Mikey Day, was seen decorating the Oval Office for Halloween. He discussed the various challenges the world is currently facing, from wars and climate change to revelations from Britney Spears’ new book.

The episode marked comedian Nate Bargatze’s debut as the host, with the Foo Fighters serving as the musical guests.

Conclusion

The ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike underscores the challenges and negotiations between actors and production houses. While SNL’s take on the issue added a comedic twist, it also highlighted the real-world implications of such industry disputes. As the world of entertainment continues to evolve, the balance between humor and reality remains a crucial aspect of addressing pressing issues.

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