Tommy Brennan, a native of St. Paul, Minnesota, made a notable debut on the iconic sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live” during its latest episode on October 7, 2023. As one of five new featured players in the show’s 51st season, Brennan finally received substantial screen time after three weeks of anticipation.
In a segment on “Weekend Update,” co-host Colin Jost introduced Brennan, who had recently relocated to New York City. “Well, it’s a little different from home,” Brennan remarked during his three-and-a-half-minute appearance. He humorously noted his Midwestern roots, saying, “Not sure if you can tell from my kind eyes and secret drinking problem. But I’m from a big, Minnesotan family. I’m one of eight kids.”
Brennan’s comment about his large family drew laughter from the audience, prompting Jost to respond, “Eight kids, wow, you do not see that a lot.” Brennan quipped, “Yeah. I think probably ’cause it’s the wrong choice,” further engaging viewers with his self-deprecating humor.
The comedian shared anecdotes from his childhood, including a cafeteria-style milk machine in his home and a milkman named Tim who played a significant role in his upbringing. “Tim the milkman was a big part of my life,” he said. “He’d show up, he’d replace the milk, we’d play catch, he’d call me ‘son.’ I’d be, like, ‘Why do I look so much like you?’”
Jost humorously suggested that Brennan’s upbringing sounded reminiscent of the 1930s. In response, Brennan joked about his appearance, saying, “I look like a locket photo during World War I.” His comedic timing and relatable stories resonated well with the audience.
Brennan also expressed his enthusiasm for navigating the New York subway system, sharing his excitement about jumping his first turnstile: “It was cool. It was exhilarating. It was thrilling. It was, uh, it was on the way out. But, like, it felt good. It still counts, you know?”
As the segment came to a close, Brennan reflected on his Catholic upbringing, humorously addressing the guilt that often accompanied it. He stated, “I couldn’t confess to the one sin that me and every other 12-year-old boy was committing constantly.”
Now that Brennan has made a splash on “SNL,” he faces the challenge of securing more screen time amidst a crowded cast that includes ten repertory players and seven featured players. With his engaging humor and unique perspective, Brennan has quickly established himself as a promising addition to the show.
The response to Brennan’s debut has been overwhelmingly positive, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences through humor drawn from personal experiences. As he navigates this new chapter in his career, fans will be eager to see how he continues to contribute to the storied legacy of “Saturday Night Live.”
