Should SNL Allow Cursing? Bowen Yang Weighs In

Natalie Brooks

5 min read

Post on May 18, 2025

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The Case for Allowing More Cursing on SNL

Reflecting Modern Language and Humor

Allowing more cursing on SNL could significantly enhance its comedic potential and increase its relatability to a younger, more contemporary audience. The controlled use of strong language can add authenticity and impact to sketches, mirroring real-life conversations and breaking down the perceived barrier between the performers and the audience.

• Increased comedic potential: Stronger language can provide a sharper edge to jokes and allow for more nuanced comedic delivery.
• Mirroring real-life conversations: Authenticity in dialogue is crucial for relatable humor, and avoiding cursing can sometimes feel unnatural or contrived.
• Connecting with a younger demographic: Younger audiences are often more accustomed to explicit language in comedy and media; embracing it could help SNL attract and retain a crucial demographic.

Many comedic styles, particularly those employing satire and dark humor, rely on strong language for impact. Avoiding it can feel inauthentic and limit the comedic possibilities.

Artistic Expression and Pushing Boundaries

Restricting language can stifle creative expression and limit the exploration of mature themes. Certain topics require stronger language to convey their gravity or impact effectively. Pushing boundaries with language, when done responsibly, can demonstrate artistic freedom and allow for deeper explorations of social and political issues.

• Adding depth and nuance to performances: Cursing, when used strategically, can elevate emotional intensity and convey a character's frustration, anger, or vulnerability more convincingly.
• The importance of artistic freedom: Comedy, like any art form, should be allowed to explore its full potential without unnecessary restrictions.
• Comparisons to other late-night shows: Many other successful late-night shows incorporate strong language effectively, demonstrating that it’s not necessarily detrimental to a show’s overall success.

Arguments Against Increased Cursing on SNL

Broader Audience and Network Standards

Concerns exist about alienating viewers who prefer cleaner humor, as well as navigating the constraints imposed by NBC network standards and decency regulations. Increased profanity could lead to controversies, negative publicity, and potential impacts on sponsors. Maintaining a family-friendly image is also crucial for attracting a broad audience.

• Potential for controversies and negative publicity: Strong language can easily spark outrage and controversy, leading to negative press and backlash from viewers and sponsors.
• Impact on sponsors: Sponsors might be hesitant to be associated with a show featuring more explicit language, potentially affecting SNL's revenue streams.
• Maintaining a family-friendly image: SNL has a long history of appealing to a broad audience, including families. Increasing cursing could alienate a significant portion of their viewership.

The balance between attracting a younger demographic and retaining a broad audience is a crucial consideration.

The Potential for Overuse and Diminished Impact

There’s a risk that if implemented without careful consideration, the increased use of cursing could become gratuitous and lose its comedic or dramatic effect. Strong language should be a tool, not a crutch.

• Examples of shows where cursing becomes a crutch: Many shows overuse profanity, diminishing its impact and making the dialogue feel cheap.
• The importance of strategic use of language: Strong language should be used sparingly and strategically to maximize its effect and avoid desensitization.
• The difference between impactful swearing and unnecessary profanity: There's a significant difference between using cursing to emphasize a point and using it as a filler word.

Maintaining a balance between edginess and approachability is essential for continued success.

Bowen Yang's Perspective and Impact

Yang's Stance on the Issue (cite sources):

While there isn't a widely publicized, definitive statement from Bowen Yang explicitly advocating for more cursing on SNL, his comedic style often pushes boundaries. His performances often incorporate subtle wit and sarcasm that could potentially be amplified with the strategic use of stronger language. Analyzing his past work and interviews reveals a comedic sensibility that doesn't shy away from addressing mature themes. Further research into interviews and articles featuring Yang is needed to fully explore his viewpoint on this specific topic.

• Key quotes from Yang (to be added upon sourcing): Insert direct quotes from interviews or articles here, properly cited.
• His reasoning behind his opinion (to be added upon sourcing): Based on available information, infer his stance based on his performance choices and public persona.
• The context of his statements (to be added upon sourcing): Explain the situations or interviews in which he may have discussed similar topics.

Influence on the SNL Creative Process

Yang's perspective, and the wider conversation it sparks, could influence SNL's future creative decisions. The debate around SNL cursing might lead to internal discussions about appropriate language, pushing creative boundaries responsibly, and adapting to changing audience expectations.

• Potential shifts in writing style: Writers may be encouraged to explore bolder and more realistic dialogue.
• Changes in sketch selection: SNL might choose sketches that explore more mature themes and benefit from stronger language.
• Discussions around network standards and censorship: The debate could lead to further conversations within SNL and NBC about updating policies and guidelines.

The discussion could pave the way for a more nuanced and inclusive approach to language in future SNL sketches.

Conclusion

The debate surrounding SNL cursing highlights the complex interplay between artistic expression, audience expectations, network standards, and comedic effectiveness. While allowing more cursing could enhance the show's relatability and comedic potential, it also carries the risk of alienating viewers and sparking controversy. Bowen Yang's perspective, while not explicitly stated on this specific issue, contributes to the ongoing conversation regarding the evolving nature of comedy and the future direction of SNL. The strategic and responsible use of language is crucial for achieving a balance between artistic freedom and broad appeal.

What are your thoughts on whether SNL should allow more cursing? Share your opinion in the comments below, and let's continue the conversation about the future of SNL cursing and its creative potential!