Arcade Fire returned to the Saturday Night Live stage on May 10, 2025, for their sixth musical guest appearance—but the performance landed with a thud. Critics and viewers alike were left disappointed, calling the set “deflated” and out of step with the show’s energy. The underwhelming musical segments, combined with an overextended Weekend Update, stole focus from host Walton Goggins in what could have been a standout episode of the show’s 50th season.
A flat return for Arcade Fire
The band’s appearance came amid continued scrutiny of frontman Win Butler, who has faced allegations of misconduct since 2022. Although Butler and Régine Chassagne remain the central duo of the group, their energy on stage suggested ongoing artistic and personal strain.
Arcade Fire performed songs from their new album Pink Elephant, but according to A.V. Club and other pop culture outlets, the delivery felt “sweaty and deflated.” Longtime fans noticed a lack of the cathartic energy that once defined their SNL appearances.
Despite attempts to add visual flair—like Butler’s scribbled messages on his lapels—the vibe was off. Critics suggest the band may no longer be able to overcome the shadow cast by recent controversies or the fading impact of their newer material.
Walton Goggins deserved better support
Goggins, best known for The White Lotus and Fallout, brought charm and range to the episode. His monologue featured a heartfelt tribute to his mother, and his sketch work toggled between eccentric and earnest. Still, his presence struggled to shine through the episode’s uneven pacing.
Some standout sketches included:
- A restaurant brunch server a little too into flirting with moms
- A historical parody about rewriting the U.S. Constitution
- A music video featuring Jane Wickline about a baby shoe on the sidewalk
Yet, the overall structure of the episode made it difficult for Goggins to leave a lasting impression.
Weekend Update dominated the runtime
In addition to Arcade Fire’s underperformance, the nearly 18-minute-long Weekend Update segment stretched the episode thin. Although the desk jokes from Colin Jost and Michael Che had moments, much of the segment felt bloated. Guest characters—including Marcello Hernández’s “Movie Guy” and Mikey Day’s physical comedy routine—failed to connect with viewers.
One highlight was Heidi Gardner’s character who gets her New York City news from Facebook, offering sharp commentary and a clear premise. But by the time she appeared, the segment had already dragged on, compounding the episode’s pacing issues.
Why it matters
Arcade Fire’s appearance was expected to elevate the episode. Instead, it highlighted the risks of relying on legacy indie acts in a live television format. With their past performances setting a high bar, the 2025 showing felt like a missed opportunity—not just for the band, but for the overall tone of the show.
Meanwhile, Goggins proved capable of carrying an SNL episode, but he needed more help from both the writing and the musical energy to deliver a memorable night.
What happens next
SNL wraps up Season 50 with Scarlett Johansson hosting the finale and Bad Bunny returning as musical guest. Viewers and critics will be watching closely to see whether the show can stick the landing after a season full of tonal swings and structural experiments.
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