Elon Musk is once again at the center of a storm—not one of his own creation, but one fueled by late-night satire and a sketch that appears to have gone too far for the billionaire’s liking.
After a recent episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL) aired a biting parody featuring Mike Myers as Musk, the Tesla CEO took to his social platform, X, to fire back with fury—and, reportedly, threats.In the skit, Myers reprises his exaggerated impersonation of Musk, a character he has now portrayed three times this year. The sketch revolves around the chaotic downfall of Tesla's reputation, and Myers’ Musk persona openly admits: “Yes.
Recently, our dealerships have been the target of many attacks, and suddenly, no one likes Tesla cars. So I asked myself why, and then I answered myself, ‘Because of me,’ which is why we’re introducing the new Tesla Model V, the first electric car in history to be fully self-vandalizing.”
The delivery might have drawn laughter from the studio audience, but behind the scenes, it clearly struck a nerve. Especially when Myers, while sporting a giant cheese-shaped headpiece—an odd nod to Musk’s recent visit to Wisconsin—stood on stage beside James Austin Johnson, who portrayed former President Trump.
Saturday Night Live (SNL), a cornerstone of American comedy, has long held a unique position in popular culture. For decades, it has served as a mirror, reflecting and often satirizing the events, figures, and trends that shape society.
However, this very role has, at times, placed the show in the crosshairs of those it lampoons. In a hypothetical scenario, where Elon Musk, a frequent target of SNL's satire, responds to mockery about Tesla's struggles with a vow to take the show off the air, we can explore the potential for such a clash to lead to surprising and ultimately positive outcomes.
Imagine a cold open. Mike Myers, in his memorable portrayal of Musk, delivers a scathing monologue. The studio audience roars with laughter as Myers, as Musk, details a new Tesla model.
This car, he explains, is not just self-driving; it's "self-vandalizing," equipped with features that allow it to break its own headlights, slash its own tires, and even graffiti obscene images on its own chassis. The joke hits hard, playing on real-world concerns about Tesla's stock price, production issues, and Musk's own eccentric public persona.
The fictional sketch ends, the show moves on, but the damage, in Musk's eyes, is done. He takes to X, his social media platform, and fires off a series of posts. He declares SNL to be "a relic of a bygone era," "unfunny," and "out of touch." But then, in a move that takes everyone by surprise, he announces his intention not just to complain, but to act. "I'm going to make SNL funny again," he vows. "I'm going to buy it."
This is where the story takes an unexpected turn, shifting from a tale of outrage to one of potential transformation. Musk's critics would undoubtedly have a field day with this announcement. They would call it a megalomaniacal move, the ultimate example of a billionaire's ego run wild. They would predict disaster, arguing that Musk, with no background in comedy or television production, would destroy a beloved institution.
But let us imagine a different scenario. Let us suppose that Musk, despite his unconventional approach, is genuinely committed to his stated goal. He envisions a revitalized SNL, one that is still biting and satirical, but also innovative, inclusive, and genuinely funny. He sees the show's potential to be more than just a weekly sketch comedy show, but a platform for new voices, cutting-edge humor, and a celebration of creativity.
Musk begins by assembling a team of diverse and talented writers and performers. He seeks out not only established names but also up-and-coming comedians from the internet, from improv theaters, and from communities that have historically been underrepresented in mainstream comedy. He invests in new technology, transforming SNL's production process and experimenting with interactive formats that allow viewers to participate in the show.
He also insists on a culture of creative freedom, where writers and performers are encouraged to take risks, to push boundaries, and to challenge the status quo. He understands that true satire requires a willingness to offend, but he also emphasizes the importance of punching up, of targeting those in power, and of using humor to hold a mirror up to society.
Under Musk's leadership, SNL undergoes a metamorphosis. The show retains its core identity as a live sketch comedy show, but it also expands its reach into other areas. It launches a successful online platform featuring original short-form content, stand-up specials, and web series.
It partners with educational institutions to offer workshops and mentorship programs for aspiring comedians. It even establishes a charitable foundation to support comedy initiatives in underserved communities.
Slowly but surely, SNL begins to regain its former glory. The ratings climb, the critical acclaim returns, and the show once again becomes a cultural touchstone. But more importantly, SNL becomes a force for good, a platform that amplifies marginalized voices, challenges conventional thinking, and reminds us of the power of laughter to unite us, to heal us, and to inspire us to change the world.
This hypothetical scenario, of Elon Musk buying SNL and transforming it, is undoubtedly a fantasy. It is a thought experiment that stretches the bounds of possibility. But it is also a story with a positive message. It suggests that even in the face of mockery and criticism, even in the most unlikely of circumstances, there is always the potential for growth, for transformation, and for the triumph of creativity over adversity.
It reminds us that even the most powerful figures can be agents of positive change, and that even the most beloved institutions can be reimagined and revitalized. It offers a vision of a future where comedy is not just entertainment, but a force for good, a catalyst for social change, and a celebration of the human spirit.
