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The 5 Most Shocking & Hilarious Moments From Aubrey Plaza's Critically Acclaimed SNL Episode

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As of December 23, 2025, Aubrey Plaza's January 2023 hosting debut on *Saturday Night Live* remains one of the most talked-about episodes of Season 48. Her performance was a masterclass in deadpan comedy, perfectly blending her signature awkwardness with the high-energy demands of the live sketch show. The episode was a massive ratings success for NBC, proving her status as a generational comedic talent fresh off her critically acclaimed role in *The White Lotus* Season 2. Her episode was not just a ratings hit; it was a cultural event, featuring surprise cameos and the long-awaited return of beloved characters. From reprising her iconic *Parks and Recreation* role to giving a bizarre, nostalgic tour of the 30 Rock studios, Plaza delivered a night of comedy that solidified her place in the *SNL* hosting hall of fame.

Aubrey Plaza: Complete Biography Profile

Aubrey Christina Plaza is an American actress, comedian, and producer known for her distinct deadpan delivery and unique comedic style.

  • Born: June 26, 1984, in Wilmington, Delaware.
  • Parents: Bernadette Plaza (attorney) and David Plaza (financial advisor).
  • Heritage: Her father is Puerto Rican, and her mother is of English and Irish descent. Plaza has often spoken about her diverse background.
  • Education: Graduated from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts in 2005. She began her career performing improv and sketch comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (UCB).
  • Breakthrough Role: April Ludgate in the NBC sitcom *Parks and Recreation* (2009–2015).
  • Key Projects: *Scott Pilgrim vs. the World*, *Safety Not Guaranteed*, *Ingrid Goes West*, *Emily the Criminal*, and her Emmy-nominated role as Harper Spiller in *The White Lotus* Season 2.
  • SNL Connection: Before her acting career took off, Plaza worked as an NBC Page at 30 Rock, the very building where *Saturday Night Live* is filmed.

The Monologue: NBC Page Secrets and a Delaware Shout-Out

Plaza’s opening monologue immediately set the tone for her surreal and self-aware episode. She began by addressing the common misconception that she is inherently "weird" or "creepy," only to lean into the strangeness of her persona.

The biggest reveal, however, was her deep connection to the building itself. Plaza shared that she had previously worked at 30 Rock as an NBC Page, a detail that provided the perfect comedic framework for the rest of her speech.

She then gave the audience a "backstage tour" of Studio 8H, slipping on her old page jacket and walking through the corridors, ironically pointing out crew members and giving unhelpful advice. This segment led to a fantastic surprise cameo: a quick appearance by fellow Delaware native and former President Joe Biden, which was a bizarrely perfect touch to her already unconventional monologue.

This deep-cut reference to her past not only delighted longtime fans but also showcased her history with the institution, making her hosting gig feel less like a one-off appearance and more like a triumphant homecoming.

The Essential Sketches: April Ludgate’s Return and *The Black Lotus*

While the entire episode was strong, two sketches in particular dominated the post-show conversation, showcasing Plaza’s ability to both reprise a classic character and star in a timely, sharp parody.

1. The April Ludgate & Leslie Knope Reunion on Weekend Update

Perhaps the most anticipated moment of the night was the reunion of Aubrey Plaza with her former *Parks and Recreation* co-star and SNL alum, Amy Poehler.

Plaza reprised her iconic role as the perpetually apathetic April Ludgate, joining Poehler’s eternally optimistic Leslie Knope on the "Weekend Update" segment. The duo was there to discuss working for the government, a theme central to their beloved sitcom.

The segment was pure fan service, with April Ludgate offering her signature brand of cynical career advice, including recommending a government job to "do nothing" and "hide in the closet." The chemistry between Plaza and Poehler was immediate and electric, offering a nostalgic high point that critics and fans universally adored.

2. The Black Lotus: A Brilliant White Lotus Parody

Capitalizing on the massive success of *The White Lotus* Season 2, which earned Plaza critical acclaim, the writers crafted a brilliant and biting parody titled "The Black Lotus."

The sketch flipped the script of the HBO drama, focusing on the staff of an exclusive resort—the "Black Lotus"—who are forced to cater to a group of wealthy, oblivious white guests.

Plaza appeared as a cynical bartender, while cast members like Kenan Thompson (as the concierge) and Ego Nwodim (as the manager) delivered pitch-perfect performances. The sketch was a sharp commentary on class and race, praised for its clever writing and the way it utilized the show's diverse cast to parody the original series’ themes. Chloe Fineman also delivered a hilarious impression of Jennifer Coolidge, a required element for any *White Lotus* spoof.

Beyond the Hits: Other Notable Moments and Critical Acclaim

The episode, which featured musical guest Sam Smith, was a critical and commercial success, securing the best ratings of *SNL*'s 48th season.

Other sketches that contributed to the episode's topical authority and memorable status included:

  • M3GAN 2.0: Plaza starred in a bizarre, physical sketch as a sequel version of the titular killer doll, M3GAN, who has an aggressive dance-off with cast member Chloe Fineman.
  • Miss Universe: A sketch where Plaza’s contestant character is more interested in revealing uncomfortable, personal truths than answering pageant questions.
  • Morning Announcements: Plaza played a nun delivering school announcements alongside Molly Kearney, a sketch praised for its commitment to a strange, singular comedic premise.
  • Taboo: A game show parody that played on Plaza's signature intense and unsettling screen presence.

Despite some mixed reviews on the overall episode's pacing, the consensus was that Plaza herself was a phenomenal host who fully embraced the *SNL* format while injecting her unique, subversive energy into every scene. Her performance was widely hailed as a career highlight that perfectly captured her mainstream moment following her run on *The White Lotus*.

aubrey plaza snl
aubrey plaza snl

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