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SNL brings back MacGruber, with an Epstein files twist

By Eric November 17, 2025

In a highly anticipated return to “Saturday Night Live” on November 15, Will Forte reprised his iconic character MacGruber, delivering a fresh yet familiar dose of comedic chaos. This episode, however, took a sharp turn into darker territory as it intertwined MacGruber’s bomb-defusing antics with the controversial Jeffrey Epstein files. The three pre-taped shorts followed the classic formula fans have come to love: MacGruber, alongside his assistants Colton (played by host Glen Powell) and Tawnee (Chloe Fineman), finds himself in a race against time to disarm a bomb. Yet, the stakes were raised when Colton revealed he had an uncensored copy of the Epstein files, leading to a frantic and comedic unraveling of MacGruber’s secrets. His panicked reaction and the subsequent shredding of the files hinted at a deeper, more troubling connection to the infamous financier, turning the comedic premise on its head.

The episode was not just a showcase for MacGruber but also featured a biting cold open where James Austin Johnson impersonated Donald Trump, responding to the release of thousands of Epstein-related emails. This segment set the tone for a night filled with sharp political commentary, as “Weekend Update” continued to lampoon Trump’s alleged ties to Epstein. By weaving these serious themes into its comedic fabric, SNL managed to blend humor with critique, reflecting the current cultural discourse surrounding accountability and scandal in politics. The juxtaposition of MacGruber’s lighthearted antics against the backdrop of such a serious topic showcased SNL’s ability to tackle complex issues while still delivering laughs, making this episode a memorable entry in the show’s storied history.

This blend of comedy and commentary not only entertained but also sparked conversations about the implications of Epstein’s connections to powerful figures, including Trump. By addressing these controversial topics, SNL reaffirmed its role as a platform for political satire, using humor to engage audiences in critical discussions. As viewers reflect on this episode, it serves as a reminder of the show’s unique ability to address real-world issues through the lens of comedy, keeping the audience both informed and entertained.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOR_KR6X6aI

Saturday Night Live

brought back Will Forte’s long running character MacGruber for its Nov. 15 episode. But this time around, the bomb-defusing man of action is hiding some seriously messed-up secrets about his ties to the Jeffrey Epstein files.

SEE ALSO:

Donald Trump crashes Epstein email press briefing in ‘SNL’ cold open

Each of Nov. 15’s three pre-taped
MacGruber
shorts follow the same formula as prior installments: MacGruber and his assistants Colton (host Glen Powell) and Tawnee (Chloe Fineman) are trapped in control rooms, trying to disarm a bomb that’s about to explode.
However, it’s not long before Colton drops a bomb of his own: He has an uncensored copy of the Epstein files. And based on MacGruber’s reaction — and subsequent shredding of the files — he’s
definitely
on the list. It’s going to take more than a pencil sharpener and a square of foil to get him out of this mess.
The
MacGruber
shorts were only the tip of the iceberg of this very Epstein-heavy
SNL
installment. The
cold open
saw Donald Trump (James Austin Johnson) react to the release of thousands of Epstein emails this week, and
Weekend Update continued to mock Trump
over his Epstein connections.

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