Chris Rock didn’t hold back during his cold open on this week’s episode of Saturday Night Live, diving straight into controversial headlines, including the shocking murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Rock opened his monologue by addressing the case surrounding alleged shooter Luigi Mangione, and as expected, his comedic edge spared no one.
While discussing Mangione, Rock quipped about the media’s obsession with the alleged shooter’s looks. “If he looked like Jonah Hill, no one would care,” Rock said to roaring laughter. “They’d already given him the chair — he’d be dead.” The sharp jab landed hard, leaving the audience stunned and entertained.
Rock quickly shifted gears to acknowledge the tragic loss of Brian Thompson, calling the CEO a “real person” and reminding viewers that he was a father. However, true to his comedic style, Rock added a biting punchline. “You also got to go, ‘You know, sometimes drug dealers get shot.’”
The comedian’s monologue didn’t stop there. Rock took aim at other trending stories, including Jake Paul’s recent boxing victory over the much older Mike Tyson. He joked about the match, saying, “Who’s Jake gonna fight next? Morgan Freeman?”
Rock also managed to squeeze in a jab at Joe Biden, referencing the president’s controversial pardon of his son, Hunter Biden. The cold open was packed with one-liners, social commentary, and Rock’s signature ability to push boundaries while keeping the laughs coming.
Chris Rock’s return to the SNL stage proved he hasn’t lost his edge, tackling some of the hottest topics with his trademark wit. From Mangione to Biden, nothing was off-limits, leaving fans talking about the monologue long after the show ended.
What did you think of Chris Rock’s edgy monologue at Luigi Mangione? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.