As tariffs and the price of everything under the sun continue to plague Americans, it’s no surprise that these delightful topics found their way into several sketches on the April 12 episode of Saturday Night Live. From a cheeky cold open to the wonderfully absurd “Check to Check Business News,” the show tackled the state of modern finance with all the sincerity of a cat in a bathtub.
In this sketch, hosts Jon Hamm and Ego Nwodim portrayed financial show anchors for the “regular folks,” those brave souls who can’t decipher bonds but can absolutely comprehend candy bar prices that have skyrocketed from “Sure, baby” to “Put that back!” Fret not, dear economic savants; your confusing jargon and stock market declines might just sound like someone trying to explain quantum physics to a goldfish.
“Let’s check on the S&P 500, which mysteriously plummeted by 2.38%. The NASDAQ Composite took a nasty spill, down 265 points, while the Dow Industrials appeared to have joined a yoga class—downward dog included,” anchor Kenneth Albright (Hamm) announced. “Now, does this mean anything to anyone?” If you guessed “no,” congratulations—you are officially a part of the majority.
“I’m sure it means something to someone, but for me, it’s just a bunch of gobbledygook,” co-host Tasia Walton (Nwodim) chimed in. They then promptly transitioned to a subject more relatable for the masses: the price of boxed mac and cheese, which has inflated to a stunning 4.5%, now costing $1.59. “Whoa! How about that across the street?” “Even across the street, Kenneth,” she verified, as if confirming the moon landing.
The pair ventured into healthcare, revealing that spending on doctor visits remains a whopping zero—an eye-opening figure only rivaled by the number of Americans praying ailments will just magically disappear. Instead, they suggest alternatives like “Go lay down,” “Just take an Advil,” and my personal favorite, “Pray it goes away.” Clearly, the healthcare industry is trending towards minimalism—who knew?
Their colleague David Hayes (Kenan Thompson) dropped some wisdom on frugality with tips like opting for generic brands. “For example, I sometimes indulge in the French luxury of Perrier, but to save some bucks, I now sip on Uncle Bubble. Yes, it’s made from pure Tennessee tap water and is only $1.89—a steal for something that tastes like sadness,” he quipped with a straight face. He even mocked frozen pizza prices with a heartfelt endorsement of his cousin DeVonte’s “pizzas” made from Wonder Bread and ketchup. Remember, “It’s not delivery—it’s DeVonte.” Truly gourmet.
As Kenneth and Tasia burst into a surprisingly uplifting rendition of En Vogue’s “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It),” the absurdity of student loan repayments became the cherry atop this financial comedy sundae. Because if you can’t laugh at your crushing debt, what even is life?
“Check to Check Business News” is charmingly sponsored by America’s most popular toilet paper substitute, Chipotle napkins. And let’s not forget Taco Bell’s cheeky tagline: “Should meat really cost more than gum? Don’t sweat it!” Truly, our fast-food overlords know how to make a statement.
Viewers flooded social media in awe of this masterpiece, with one comment on SNL’s YouTube channel declaring, “This sketch may be the most relatable thing I’ve ever seen. It’s almost like they climbed into my wallet and pulled out my soul.” Another remarked on Hamm’s Kohl’s suit as a personal affront. Who knew frugality had such emotional depth?
Whether you’re a blue-collar dreamer or a stressed-out millennial trying to figure out how to buy groceries and avoid bankruptcy all at once, this episode had something for everyone. Watch “Check to Check Business News” from Saturday Night Live Season 50, Episode 17 and witness financial satire at its finest. Trust us, your wallet (and sense of humor) will thank you.
