Imagine a raccoon, tipsy and unapologetic, stealing the spotlight on Saturday Night Live—and not just any raccoon, but one played by the hilariously bold Sarah Sherman. But here’s where it gets controversial: this wasn’t just a skit; it was a wild ride that tackled everything from privacy invasion to pop culture stereotypes, all while leaving the audience in stitches. In a Weekend Update segment packed with jabs at Donald Trump, Jeffrey Epstein, and Netflix’s sky-high ambitions, Sherman’s drunk raccoon emerged as the undisputed star. Inspired by a real-life incident where a raccoon got wasted in a Virginia liquor store (yes, you read that right) and passed out in the bathroom, Sherman’s character brought the absurdity to life in a way only she could.
Colin Jost introduced the segment with a straight face, saying, ‘Here to explain their actions is that drunk raccoon.’ What followed was pure chaos—in the best way possible. Sherman’s raccoon slinked onto the set, writhing around the desk and immediately complaining about her lack of privacy. Jost quipped that she had a ‘serious drinking problem,’ to which she fired back, ‘The problem is I can’t get drunk in a bathroom without people taking pictures of me face down, ass up!’ It was a bold commentary on our obsession with viral moments, wrapped in a hilarious package.
And this is the part most people miss: the skit wasn’t just about laughs. When Jost asked if Bradley Cooper’s portrayal of Rocket Raccoon in Guardians of the Galaxy was a positive representation, Sherman’s raccoon deadpanned, ‘I wouldn’t know, I haven’t seen it—I’m not a virgin.’ It was a sly dig at societal expectations and the way we consume media. But the real kicker? Her unapologetic declaration that ‘poop’ is actually good, followed by a sassy ‘Quiet, piggy’ when Jost looked grossed out. It was gross, it was funny, and it was undeniably memorable.
The skit took an even sharper turn when Jost joked that raccoons only eat trash. Sherman’s raccoon clapped back, ‘We hear what you call us. Trash pandas. Dumpster dogs. The Sarah Shermans of the forest.’ It was a clever meta-commentary on stereotypes and how we label others—or even ourselves. Jost’s retort? ‘You’re not nearly as hairy as Sarah Sherman.’ Touché.
As the segment wrapped up, Jost expressed hope that the raccoon would get help for her drinking problem and joked about rabies. Her response? ‘Rabies is the last thing you need to worry about getting from me.’ Here’s the controversial question: Was this skit just a hilarious bit, or was it a subtle critique of how we treat both animals and celebrities in the public eye? Sherman’s performance left us laughing, but it also invited us to think—and that’s the mark of truly great comedy. What do you think? Did the skit go too far, or was it the perfect blend of humor and social commentary? Let’s debate in the comments!
