- Minnesota native and new “Saturday Night Live” cast member Tommy Brennan received his first major spotlight on the show’s “Weekend Update” segment.
- Brennan’s comedy routine focused heavily on his Midwest upbringing, including jokes about his large family and having a “secret drinking problem.”
- His self-deprecating humor also touched on his All-American appearance, comparing himself to a “locket photo during World War I.”
- “Weekend Update” has historically been a crucial platform for new SNL members to introduce their comedic style to a national audience.
Minnesota’s Newest Star Shines on “Weekend Update”
After a quiet start to his “Saturday Night Live” tenure, Minnesota’s own Tommy Brennan has finally seized the spotlight. The new cast member made a memorable appearance on the iconic “Weekend Update” segment this past weekend, giving audiences a hilarious introduction to his Midwest-centric comedy.
Chatting with co-host Colin Jost, Brennan, who was one of the few Minnesotans to ever join the storied cast, used his first major screen time to do what he does best: poke fun at his roots. Drawing heavily from his stand-up material, Brennan’s performance was a masterclass in self-deprecation and regional humor.
Midwest Humor Takes Center Stage
Dressed in a gold-colored jacket that could easily be mistaken for University of Minnesota Gophers merchandise, Brennan leaned into his Minnesota identity. “I’m from the Midwest,” he deadpanned. “Not sure if you can tell from my kind eyes and secret drinking problem.”
The jokes continued to land as he detailed the eccentricities of growing up as one of eight children. He quipped about his family having a cafeteria-style milk machine at home, a detail that painted a vivid picture of his chaotic but loving upbringing. Brennan also took aim at his own classic, All-American looks.
“I look like a locket photo during World War I,” he joked. “Like I was a guy who was really good at football pre-integration.”
A Platform for New Talent
For decades, a guest spot on “Weekend Update” has been a make-or-break opportunity for new “SNL” cast members to define their voice and connect with viewers. It serves as a launching pad, allowing performers to showcase their stand-up skills without the filter of a character. Just two weeks prior, fellow new cast member Kam Patterson was also featured on the segment, signaling a trend of introducing the latest talent through the trusted news desk format.
While the “Update” segment was his main event, Brennan also appeared later in the episode as a dancer who aggressively whips around a motivational speaker played by host Sabrina Carpenter.
As “SNL” heads into a dark week, fans will be eagerly awaiting the show’s return on November 1 with host Miles Teller, and many will be hoping to see much more of Tommy Brennan.