Prepare for the Winty Winds: A Nostalgic Look at Dawn Lazarus
As winter approaches, bringing with it the inevitable storms and icy roads, it’s that time of year when one name comes to mind for countless fans of Saturday Night Live (SNL) — Dawn Lazarus. Portrayed by the talented Vanessa Bayer, Dawn is the quirky meteorologist whose unique delivery makes any weather forecast a blend of comedy and insight. If you’re looking for laughs while keeping an eye on the looming snow, Bayer’s performance as Dawn Lazarus is your go-to source.
How to Watch Dawn Lazarus in Action
For those eager to catch the latest episodes, Saturday Night Live airs on Saturdays at 11:30 PM ET/10:30 PM CT on NBC. Alternatively, you can stream episodes the following day on Peacock.
The Birth of Dawn Lazarus
Dawn Lazarus made her first appearance during the Weekend Update segment on May 6, 2017, right before Bayer’s departure from the show. The character quickly gained notoriety for her humorous yet bewildering weather reports, full of whimsical phrases and a distinct cadence. It was a delightfully chaotic experience for co-anchor Michael Che as he navigated her storm of verbal absurdities.
In a memorable sketch, Dawn addressed the impending winter weather with suitability comedic advice: “be sure to keep it safety,” she reminded viewers, adeptly blending genuine caution with amusing delivery. It’s easy to see why Dawn became a beloved character during her run at SNL.
Dawn’s Return and Impact
Dawn Lazarus made a notable comeback during the Weekend Update segment of Bayer’s last show on May 20, 2017. The character’s unpredictability continued to mesmerize audiences, leading to an unexpected revival even in future sketches. In a surprise cameo a year later, Dawn humorously attempted to explain a sudden winter storm, proving that audiences just can’t get enough of her hilariously offbeat approach to weather reporting.
The charm of Dawn is not merely in her quirky demeanor but also in her unexpectedly accurate forecasting style, making her a parody of real meteorologists while adding a fresh twist to every weather report. As winter 2026 creeps closer, her unique insights might just resonate more than ever.
The Creative Minds Behind Dawn Lazarus
What makes Dawn Lazarus even more fascinating is her origin story, co-created by Vanessa Bayer and SNL writer Jeremy Beiler. Initially, Bayer envisioned Dawn as a game show host in a high-stakes environment, but after a few failed dress rehearsals and encouragement from Colin Jost to try her as a weatherwoman, the character found her true calling as a comedic meteorologist. Bayer reflected, “It actually felt like she was a weather woman all along.”
This creative pivot showcased Bayer’s versatility and ingenuity, illustrating how collaboration within the SNL team brings unique characters to life.
A Quest for Laughter in Turbulent Times
Dawn’s antics remind audiences that even in the face of harsh winter storms, there’s always room for humor. From her iconic phrases like “big papa deal” to her charmingly awkward interactions with Che, her character serves as a comedic balm for those bracing against the cold. This nostalgia transports viewers back to a simpler time of comedy—where laughter was plentiful and concern for severe winter weather could be both acknowledged and playfully mocked.
Dawn Lazarus, embodied with delightful hilarity by Vanessa Bayer, remains an iconic figure on Saturday Night Live, effortlessly blending the elements of comedy with the often-serious subject of weather forecasting. The approach humorously reminds viewers that while winter storms may indeed be serious business, there’s always a silver lining of laughter to be found, even in the windiest of conditions.