The Internet's New Obsession: ‘SNL’ Takes on the ‘Sexy Slayer’ Phenomenon

**The Cold Open: A Sharp Satire** SNL has a long-standing tradition of using its cold open to comment on current events, and this week was no exception. The sketch opened with Sherman’s portrayal of Nancy Grace, who dove into the shocking details of Thompson’s murder in a style reminiscent of her sensationalist reporting. With the audience in stitches, Sherman quipped about how “y’all psychos find him a sex symbol,” highlighting the bizarre reality that some viewers are attracted to the accused killer. By likening Mangione’s looks to “Dave Franco with Eugene Levy’s eyebrows,” the sketch underscored the absurdity of romanticizing a murderer. **The Role of Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword** The internet has a unique ability to create narratives around figures like Mangione, often blurring the lines between villain and idol. Social media platforms are rife with memes and discussions that elevate the most notorious among us to a status that is both fascinating and troubling. This SNL sketch cleverly illustrates how the allure of the “bad boy” can distort perceptions, turning a heinous crime into a sensational spectacle. The absurdity of the situation is compounded by the fact that many social media users are simultaneously horrified by the crime while expressing fascination with the perpetrator. **The McDonald’s Encounter: A Comedic Highlight** In a memorable segment of the sketch, Kenan Thompson portrays a man on the street who unwittingly bumps into Mangione at a McDonald’s. Grace, in her characteristic over-the-top fashion, asks, “Can you believe people were attracted to this sexy slayer?” This moment encapsulates the sketch’s essence: an absurd yet humorous critique of society's tendency to fetishize violence. By juxtaposing the mundane setting of a fast-food restaurant with the gravity of a murder case, SNL masterfully highlights the surreal nature of our current media landscape.