Michael Che's New Netflix Special Explores Personal Views Beyond 'SNL'
The 'Saturday Night Live' anchor's third stand-up special, 'Shot In Minnesota,' offers a more intimate look at his humor and observations.
Michael Che, the long-serving anchor of "Saturday Night Live's" Weekend Update, has released his third Netflix stand-up special, "Michael Che: Shot In Minnesota." Filmed at First Avenue in Minneapolis, the special delves into Che's personal perspectives, though it largely sidesteps the political controversies that have affected Minnesota.
Che, who has been at the Weekend Update desk longer than most of his predecessors, maintains a consistent pace for his solo specials, releasing one approximately every five years. His previous specials include 2016's "Michael Che Matters" and 2021's "Michael Che: Shame the Devil." He also starred in and produced two seasons of the HBO Max sketch series "That Damn Michael Che."
In "Shot In Minnesota," Che addresses topics ranging from aging and his approach to drinking to his observations on relationships and societal norms. He jokes about his realization of getting older and his efforts to moderate his alcohol consumption. The special also touches on his perceptions of love and marriage, contrasting his own single status with that of his "SNL" co-anchor Colin Jost's marriage to Scarlett Johansson.
A notable segment involves Che's thoughts on the use of the word "retarded," where he expresses his intent to continue using it until he no longer encounters individuals who are referred to by that term. He also satirizes a complaint from a woman who compared his use of the word to racial slurs, humorously responding that she had indeed used a racial slur.
Che also uses humor to examine societal attitudes towards sexuality, drawing parallels between how different socioeconomic and demographic groups perceive each other. He suggests that people in the nation are overly prudish regarding sexual matters.
The review from Decider suggests that while the special might not heavily feature political commentary, it provides a more personal glimpse into Che's comedic voice, which may be refreshing for viewers seeking insight beyond the confines of network television standards.