McCarthy’s upcoming hosting gig may be the most-hyped episode of a monumental season.
Social media was abuzz Friday morning celebrating the sight of, dressed as Sean Spicer, riding around Midtown Manhattan on a Segway disguised as a White House press room podium, apparently in preparation for her return to as this weekend’s host. New Yorkers rushed to Twitter to commemorate the moment McCarthy was spotted outside of the Manhattan CNN building on 58th Street, churning out tweets, selfies, and video of the event. As evidenced by the public reaction, McCarthy’s return is already one of the more hyped episodes in recent memory — and that’s saying a lot, given the show’s increased media dominance as it continues to satirize President Donald Trump and his administration. McCarthy’s reappearance as Spicer couldn’ t be better timed, coinciding with the beleaguered press secretary’s recent reported attempt to from journalists pelting him with questions about Trump’s. Internet gawkers have already with this bit of surreal comedy, and it’s clear intends to have more. But it’s also clear that intends to keep riding the wave of publicity generated by McCarthy’s. (McCarthy has since returned to do the impression .) On Wednesday, the show released a teaser trailer for McCarthy’s appearance as host that foregrounded her transformation into Spicer with a rendition of “I Feel Pretty.” If all of this hype seems somewhat over-the-top for an otherwise regular episode of, that’s because it is. But it’s also an indication of how prominent the show has become in the public eye, with some viewing it as a form of comedic protest against a deeply unpopular president. The show’s choice to have McCarthy play Spicer in drag, and given what a politically charged week it’s been for the Trump administration, some viewers seem to viewing McCarthy as a general leading an “.” Meanwhile, ’s other guests may prove to be equally worth showing up for; the night’s musical guest, HAIM, ahead of their upcoming summer album. In fact, given the arguably diminishing returns of McCarthy’s second and third appearances as Spicer, HAIM could end up being the best part of the episode, despite the weeklong political chaos leading into this episode of. Regardless, though, with all that pressure to deliver, will probably serve up a memorable night of television even if the jokes don’ t all land. And even if McCarthy bombs, she’ ll have had, at the very least, what seems to be most of Manhattan rooting for her.
