SNL: Will Ferrell on Why Playing Janet Reno "Hits a False Note Now"

Longtime SNL Cast Member Reflects on Political Humor in the Age of Trump

Former Saturday Night Live regular and comedy icon Will Ferrell recently opened up about his hesitance to reprise his popular impression of former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno, a recurring character on the show during the 1990s.

In an interview with The New York Times, Ferrell explained that the current political climate has made it difficult to satirize politicians in the same way as before.

"I think that there's a certain amount of absurdity that's inherent in politics, and that's always been a ripe target for satire," Ferrell said. "But I think that we're in a very different time now, where there's a lot of anger and division, and I don't think that humor is always the best way to address that.

"I think that there's a time and a place for humor, but I don't think that it's always appropriate to make light of serious issues," he added. "I think that we need to be more thoughtful about how we use humor, and I don't think that we should use it to divide people further."

Ferrell's comments come at a time when political satire is increasingly under fire. Some critics argue that satire has become too mean-spirited and that it is no longer effective in holding politicians accountable.

Others argue that satire is more important than ever in the current political climate, as it can provide a much-needed release from the stress and anxiety of living in a divided society.