The Canadian satirical series “This Hour Has 22 Minutes” has been turning recent political upheaval into rapid-fire comedy, often publishing sketches online before American late-night programs can respond.
After Katie Zacharia was fired as White House press secretary just five days after taking the job, the show posted a sketch portraying the chaos within hours. About 48 hours later, it imagined rapper Nicki Minaj, described by the show as a MAGA favorite, replacing Zacharia—shortly before Minaj was due to travel on Air Force One to campaign for President Trump in Michigan.
Rather than wait for its weekly broadcast, the program released both polished sketches on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. The clips attracted nearly 24 million views.
For 34 years, “This Hour Has 22 Minutes” has satirized Canadian and American politics, culture and everyday quirks. The show is now experiencing renewed momentum linked to Trump, particularly his trade war, tariffs, threats and insults directed at Canada. Television audiences have increased, while its social media reach has grown quickly.
“Social media has opened up our show beyond what I thought was capable,” said Stacey McGunnigle, a cast member and writer who has created and portrayed several MAGA women, including Karoline Leavitt, Natalie Harp and, briefly, Zacharia.
Sources: The New York Times World.