Jerrod Carmichael Didn’t Talk About ‘It’ In Brilliant ‘SNL’ Monologue

Jerrod Carmichael made his “Saturday Night Live” debut as host and his opening monologue was nothing short of brilliant.

The first words out of his mouth were:

I’m not gonna talk about it.

During his 6-minute monologue, Jerrod explained why he didn’t want to talk about it without mentioning the words: Will Smith, Chris Rock, slap, or Oscars.

The comedian and actor even shared how Lorne Michaels told him he wanted him to talk about it “because the nation needs to heal.”

Jerrod Carmichael said:

I said, ‘The nation needs to what? And you want me to do that?’

The nation doesn’t even know me. The nation has no clue who I am.

I have to be the least famous host in ‘SNL’ history. 

The least. 

From there, he pivots into talking about his new HBO comedy special, “Rothaniel,” and how he came out as gay.

He noted that he couldn’t even heal his family and homophobic cousins, so how is he expected to heal the nation.

Lastly, Jerrod Carmichael delivered a quick message for Barack Obama.

Watch the monologue below.

Read a few Twitter reactions to Jerrod’s opening monologue on “SNL” below.

I love that Jerrod Carmichael just did an entire monologue about Slapgate without using the words "Will Smith", "Chris Rock", "Jada Pinkett Smith", "Oscars" or "slap". It was like he was playing the stand-up comedy version of the game 'Taboo'. #SNL

— Kiffa (@kiffa.bsky.social) (@kiffa_kitmouse) April 3, 2022

https://twitter.com/giselleb1234/status/1510462747384889349

Jerrod Carmichael's SNL opening monologue was one of the best in years.

— Shea (@AnatomyofaTall) April 3, 2022

Jerrod Carmichael is killing it right now🤣🤣😂‼️ #snl

— Kia McMurphy🇯🇲✊🏾 (@StrictlydiBes) April 3, 2022

Jerrod Carmichael killing it with the stand up monologue both in content and that outfit #SNL

— Candace “Ace” Brown (@AceBWrites) April 3, 2022

https://twitter.com/ThreeColumnsArt/status/1510463667724328960

Solid monologue by Jerrod Carmichael on #snl

— Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) April 3, 2022

https://twitter.com/TheFienPrint/status/1510463453139398664

Jerrod Carmichael, the “least famous” person to ever host SNL just gave one of its best monologues.

— Ashley Spencer (@AshleySpencer) April 3, 2022

Jerrod Carmichael , Honestly, Ive never heard of or seen you before. But I gotta tell you that your comedic senses are outstanding !
your deadpan delivery, mannerisms, facial expressions. All make what you do really funny and entertaining ! Keep it up!

— Mark (@OSBuckeye) April 3, 2022

Jerrod Carmichael's opening monologue on last night's SNL is stellar on every level. Hilarious, warm, thought-provoking, challenging, and beautifully constructed. I could listen to this man talk for hours. https://t.co/j9T2UAumuF

— Charlotte Clymer 🇺🇦 (@cmclymer) April 3, 2022

Between his amazing HBO special “Rothaniel,” and killing it on “SNL,” Jerrod Carmichael won this week!

Congrats!