A Thanksgiving Miracle: How SNL Reimagined Family Gatherings
Ten years ago, the iconic sketch show Saturday Night Live (SNL) gifted us with a comedic yet relatable portrayal of the chaos that often accompanies Thanksgiving dinners. The sketch, titled “A Thanksgiving Miracle,” has since been celebrated as a timeless classic, managing not just to entertain but also to resonate with audiences navigating family dynamics at the holiday season.
A Perfectly Timed Performance
On November 21, 2015, actor Matthew McConaughey hosted SNL, sharing the stage with musical guest Adele, who had just released her chart-topping hit “Hello.” At the time, the music video for “Hello” was rapidly gaining traction, showcasing stunning visuals of Adele against a backdrop of sepia-toned nostalgia. The song, which elegantly encapsulated themes of longing and reconciliation, became an anthem that year, and SNL’s sketch expertly wove this backdrop into the narrative of a Thanksgiving dinner gone awry.
The Sketch Breakdown
In the sketch, Cecily Strong plays a daughter who brings her new boyfriend home for Thanksgiving. The family, portrayed by a talented ensemble including Jay Pharoah, Beck Bennett, Vanessa Bayer, Aidy Bryant, and Kate McKinnon, quickly devolves into a cacophony of contentious debates, touching on race, politics, and societal issues. Tension builds as everyone shares their questionable opinions, elevating the uncomfortable atmosphere to a boiling point.
However, just as the scene threatens to spiral into chaos, the daughter saves the day. One of the children pulls up “Hello” on a nearby speaker, and like a spell cast over the room, the arguing halts.
The Power of Music
As Adele’s silky voice fills the air, the family begins to harmonize and ultimately transforms into a whimsical rendition of themselves, clad in fur coats and sporting long manicured nails, dancing in a nostalgia-tinged dreamscape reminiscent of the music video. This clever twist not only showcases the unifying power of music but also illustrates how a familiar song can diffuse tensions, bringing people together—even at the most fraught family gatherings.
Adele and SNL: A Legacy
Adele’s relationship with SNL started long before this memorable sketch. Her debut on the show in 2008 introduced her to the American audience, performing “Chasing Pavements” alongside Tina Fey’s Sarah Palin on a night that would forever alter her career trajectory. The performance was pivotal; it skyrocketed her to fame, and she later credited SNL with “breaking” her career. Since then, Adele has become synonymous with the show, further solidifying her place in its Thanksgiving legacy.
The Thanksgiving Tradition
SNL redefines the landscape of holiday entertainment with sketches like “A Thanksgiving Miracle,” showing viewers that even the messiest family meals can be made memorable—and even joyous—through laughter and music. The show’s seasonal specials, particularly the Thanksgiving episodes, highlight this tradition. They encapsulate funny yet poignant moments that echo the very essence of what it means to gather together as a family, despite each member’s quirks and differences.
Catch SNL’s Thanksgiving Specials
For those interested in revisiting the best Thanksgiving sketches, SNL offers a special airing of A Saturday Night Live Thanksgiving, which features a compilation of its most beloved holiday moments. Scheduled to air on November 26, it promises to encapsulate the spirit of the holiday with laughter.
Notably, “A Thanksgiving Miracle,” from Season 41, Episode 6, remains a highlight, proving that such comedic pieces resonate across generations, reminding us that a little music can transform even the tensest situations into moments of shared joy.
Fans can watch SNL Saturdays at 11:30/10:30c on NBC and catch up on previous seasons and skits via Peacock the following day. This continuity keeps the legacy alive, ensuring new audiences can experience the magic that SNL brings to Thanksgiving in all its chaotic glory.