After reports about Kristi Noem’s husband surfaced online, Saturday Night Live quickly turned it into a joke—but many viewers felt it missed the mark.
During the April 4 episode, a Weekend Update segment featured Sarah Sherman portraying Bryon Noem in an exaggerated sketch referencing the scandal, while Michael Che played along.
The skit also mocked Kristi Noem, referencing past controversies. Reports behind the joke claimed Bryon used a pseudonym online and engaged in niche forums, though some details remain disputed. A spokesperson said Noem was “devastated” and asked for privacy.
After the episode aired, backlash was immediate, with many online calling the sketch unfunny or hypocritical, while others criticized the show’s direction in recent years.