Tom Hanks Reprises Controversial “Black Jeopardy” Character on SNL 50th Anniversary — Reactions Are Divided

Tom Hanks has long been considered a national treasure, beloved across generations for his iconic film roles. From Forrest Gump to Cast Away, everyone seems to have a favorite Tom Hanks performance.

But over the weekend, Hanks returned to a familiar character — and not everyone was thrilled. The actor appeared during the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special, reprising his role in the long-running sketch Black Jeopardy. The character, Doug, sparked both laughter and criticism.

Doug Returns — With a MAGA Hat

During the special, Hanks appeared in the Black Jeopardy sketch wearing a red “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) hat. His character, Doug, is known for his conservative, Southern charm — and awkwardly outdated social views.

“If more folks went to church, we wouldn’t be in this mess we’re in now,” Hanks’ Doug says in the sketch, prompting a nod from host Darnell Hayes (played by Kenan Thompson), who extends his hand for a shake.

Doug recoils: “Don’t like that, whoa, whoa, whoa.”

“It’s just a handshake,” Thompson’s character says. Doug eventually relents.

Later, Doug suggests, “Maybe I’ll start a show for you to come on and we’ll call it White Jeopardy.”

“We don’t need it,” Hayes fires back.

Social Media Reaction: Mixed, Heated, and Unfiltered

The three-hour live event featured cameos from dozens of SNL alumni and celebrities, but Black Jeopardy aired early in the program and quickly became one of the most-discussed sketches online.

Critics on social media were quick to express discomfort with Hanks’ portrayal.

“Tom Hanks just came out on the SNL 50th anniversary special in a MAGA hat, doing a skit where he acted like he didn’t want to shake a Black man’s hand,” one user wrote. “This is why SNL is in the toilet.”

Others were more blunt, accusing Hanks of “weaponizing racism” and calling the performance tone-deaf.

“Tom Hanks is a racist for weaponizing racism. We’re sick of your racist agenda Tom,” another X user commented.

Some viewers felt the sketch was poorly timed or simply divisive.

“Tom Hanks’ SNL skit was a letdown. Cringe, tone-deaf, and divisive. Do better, SNL,” one viewer posted.

Supporters Say It Was Satire Done Right

Not everyone viewed the sketch negatively. The original Black Jeopardy sketch featuring Hanks as Doug aired in 2016 and received widespread acclaim at the time for its smart, layered social satire.

Kenan Thompson, who plays the recurring host Darnell Hayes, once praised Hanks’ performance.

“Him playing a character that was so far on the other side of the aisle, it was super-bold,” Thompson said in a 2018 interview with Vulture.

Co-writer Bryan Tucker added that many aspects of Doug’s character — including the handshake hesitation — were ad-libbed by Hanks during the live taping.

“When he did it, I laughed super hard in my mind but played it off,” Thompson recalled. “It was the most natural ad-lib I’ve ever done.”

Tucker even noted that Oprah Winfrey called Hanks after the original sketch aired, showing just how widely the performance resonated.

Legacy of “Black Jeopardy”

The Black Jeopardy sketch has become a cultural staple in the SNL lineup, often serving as a vehicle to highlight shared values — and deep divides — between Black and white Americans. It plays off real stereotypes but often ends with unexpected common ground.

Alongside Hanks, this weekend’s revival featured Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, and Eddie Murphy. The sketch opened with Thompson’s host saying, “Welcome to Black Jeopardy, the only Jeopardy where every viewer understood Kendrick’s halftime performance.”

Final Thoughts: A Risky Throwback or Thought-Provoking Satire?

While Tom Hanks is widely respected for his career and character, the return of Doug has stirred up a range of emotions. Some say it was a clever, biting satire that still holds relevance. Others argue that it felt out of touch or poorly executed in today’s climate.

Whether you found it funny, frustrating, or flat, the sketch — and the conversation it sparked — shows that even beloved performers like Hanks aren’t immune to the complexities of comedy in 2025.

What did you think of Tom Hanks’ Black Jeopardy return? Let us know in the comments below.