For as much as it has remained a beloved staple of late night television over 50 remarkable seasons, Saturday Night Live has not shied away from considerable controversy. However, between accidental swearing, poorly-timed jokes, and skits that have aged like milk kept out in the sun in the middle of June, no one aspect of the show has courted as much discourse as its lack of diversity.
The current turnover of cast members and writers in the lead-up to the show’s 51st season has seen Arab-origin Emil Wakim get cut after just one season as a featured player. And considering it took until 2019 for us to get our first Chinese-American cast member in Bowen Yang, SNL still has a long way to go. In the lead up to its 51st season, we’re looking back on the South Asians who’ve made history on the long-running NBC show, and who we’d like to see get added to the rotation down the line too…
Nimesh Patel
Writer Nimesh Patel was named the first ever Indian-American to be hired as a writer on SNL in 2017. His jokes were mainly used for the popular Weekend Update section, and he even earned an Emmy nomination for his work. Sadly, his tenure only lasted one season, but he has many other works to draw acclaim for, including working with Hasan Minhaj (more on him later) on his White House Correspondents’ Dinner set and with Chris Rock for the 88th Academy Awards.
Aziz Ansari
In 2017, with Aziz Ansari’s recruitment as host for their first episode post the President Donald Trump inauguration, he became the first ever South Asian to host the storied sketch show. He was notable for penning his opening monologue completely by his lonesome and creating a balance between Trump supporters and opposers.
Kumail Nanjiani
In the same year, Kumail Nanjiani made his debut as a host, following a brief appearance in a sketch as a reporter back in 2012. He became the first Pakistani-American to host the show, immediately becoming a fan favorite for his easygoing demeanor. Plus, it put him on the road toward becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest heartthrobs.
Nasim Pedrad
Nasim Pedrad joined SNL in 2009, with the Iranian-origin actress and comedian becoming a staple in the writers’ room for five years. She left the show in 2014 to join fellow SNL writer John Mulaney and star in his short-lived sitcom, and has since worked on projects like the shows New Girl, Scream Queens and Chad, plus the 2019 live action version of Aladdin.
Who do we want to see?
While the list is endless, we of course have some favorites. On top is Hasan Minhaj, who we’re shocked has never actually hosted the show anyway. Also in that camp is Zarna Garg, quickly becoming one of the hottest names in comedy nationwide. Also on our wishlist are actor Rizwan Manji, best known for shows like Schitt’s Creek, Outsourced and now Peacemaker, and comedian Rasika Mathur, best associated with her supporting turn in the original Wild ‘n Out.
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