SNL cold opens are the five-to-ten-minute sketches that kick off every episode of Saturday Night Live, usually parodying the week's biggest political mess or pop culture obsession—and for most kids today, these clips are their primary, and often only, source of "news."
TL;DR: The Saturday Night Live cold open has evolved from a late-night tradition into a viral content engine that dominates YouTube and TikTok feeds every Sunday morning. While these sketches are a great entry point for media literacy, they often rely on "cringe" humor and heavy political bias that can skew a middle-schooler’s perspective if they aren't getting the full story elsewhere.
The "cold open" is the sketch that happens before the opening credits and the host’s monologue. It almost always ends with the iconic line, "Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!" Historically, these sketches were the water-cooler moments for adults. In 2026, they are the "For You Page" moments for your kids.
Because the cold open usually tackles the most "mainstream" topic of the week—whether it’s a presidential debate, a celebrity scandal, or the latest AI controversy—it is designed to be clipped, shared, and memed. Your teenager probably isn't sitting on the couch at 11:30 PM on a Saturday to watch the whole show, but they are absolutely seeing the three-minute cut of the cold open on Instagram while they eat breakfast on Sunday.
You’ll often hear Gen Z or Gen Alpha call Saturday Night Live "cringe" or say it’s "humor for millennials." Don't let that fool you. They are still watching it.
The cold open serves as a form of social currency. If everyone is talking about a specific parody of a politician or a viral "Skibidi" reference the show tried (and likely failed) to land, your kid needs to see it to understand the comments section on TikTok.
More importantly, the cold open simplifies complex world events. It takes a 40-page policy debate and turns it into a five-minute sketch with funny wigs. For a 13-year-old, that is a much more digestible way to "keep up with the news" than reading a traditional outlet. Screenwise data shows that for students in grades 7-10, satirical clips are the #2 way they consume "current events," second only to YouTube influencers.
The biggest thing to understand as an intentional parent is that the cold open isn't just comedy to your kids; it’s a filter. Satire is a powerful tool, but it requires a baseline of factual knowledge to actually "get" the joke.
When Saturday Night Live parodies a Senate hearing, they are exaggerating specific traits or flaws. If your kid doesn't know what the actual hearing was about, the parody becomes the reality for them. This is where "brain rot" concerns actually carry some weight—not because the comedy is bad, but because the context is missing.
If you find your kid quoting a cold open, it’s a perfect "on-ramp" to a real conversation. You don't have to be a buzzkill; you can just ask, "Do you know what actually happened in the news that they're making fun of?"
If your kid enjoys the sharp wit of a cold open but you want them to branch out into content that might have a bit more substance (or just better writing), here are a few Screenwise-approved recommendations:
- This is a fantastic daily podcast that gives kids the top stories of the day in about five minutes. It’s non-partisan, kid-friendly, and provides the factual "bones" they need so they can actually understand the satire they see later.
- While still satirical and definitely leaning into its own biases, The Daily Show often dives deeper into the "why" behind a news story than a five-minute SNL sketch can. It’s better for older teens (15+) who are starting to form their own political identities.
- For the high-schooler who loves the "deep dive," this show is the gold standard. It’s TV-MA for language, so be aware, but the way it breaks down complex systems (like the housing market or AI ethics) is unmatched.
- If your kid likes the "social commentary" aspect of SNL, The Good Place is a brilliant, hilarious show that teaches ethics and philosophy without ever feeling like a lecture. It’s a "brain rot" antidote.
Let’s be real: Saturday Night Live is rated TV-14 for a reason. The cold open is usually the "safest" part of the show because it’s the most mainstream, but it still frequently features:
- Political Bias: The show has a clear perspective. Whether you agree with it or not, it's worth pointing out to your kids that the writers have an agenda—to make people laugh, but also to make a point.
- Innuendo: Even in the first five minutes, SNL isn't afraid of a "that’s what she said" style joke or some mild suggestive themes.
- The "Cringe" Factor: In 2026, SNL is increasingly trying to use Gen Alpha slang (like "Ohio," "Rizz," or "Gyatt") to stay relevant. Most kids find this hilarious because of how "bad" it is, not because it's actually cool. It’s the digital equivalent of a dad wearing his hat backward.
Instead of banning the clips—which is impossible anyway since they're all over TikTok—use them as a bridge.
"I saw that SNL clip of the debate—do you think that’s actually how that person sounds, or are they just leaning into the meme?"
This kind of question encourages critical thinking without making you sound like the "screen time police." You’re acknowledging that they’re watching it, and you’re helping them build the filter they need to navigate a world where news and entertainment are permanently blurred.
Q: Is the SNL cold open appropriate for a 10-year-old?
Generally, the cold open is the most "tame" part of the show, but it still often contains mild profanity, political insults, and suggestive humor. If your 10-year-old is seeing it, it's likely as a 60-second clip on YouTube Shorts, which strips away even more context. Screenwise recommends co-viewing these clips if your child is under 12.
Q: Why is my kid calling SNL "millennial brain rot"?
This is a common trend among Gen Z and Alpha. They use the term "brain rot" to describe content that is low-effort or "cringe." Because SNL writers are often older, their attempts to use modern slang usually fall flat, which kids find funny in a "look at these old people trying" kind of way.
Q: Where can I find the SNL cold open without watching the whole show?
The easiest and safest place is the official [Saturday Night Live YouTube channel](https://screenwiseapp.com/media/saturday-night-live-show. They usually upload the cold open as a standalone video within minutes of it airing. This is a better option than watching edited, "reaction" versions on TikTok which might have added commentary or inappropriate music.
Q: Does watching SNL count as "learning about politics"?
It counts as learning about political perception, but not necessarily political facts. It’s a great way to see what the country is talking about, but it should be supplemented with more objective sources like KidNuz or National Geographic Kids to ensure they're getting the full picture.
The SNL cold open is the "front door" to the news for the digital generation. It’s witty, it’s viral, and it’s often very biased. Your job isn't to lock the door, but to make sure your kid knows how to check who’s knocking. Use these clips as a conversation starter, laugh at the "cringe" together, and then maybe—just maybe—check a real news site to see what actually happened.
Check out our guide to the best news sources for kids
Learn more about navigating political social media with your teen