Ep 7. Steve Carell / Ella Mai

The seventh episode of Saturday Night Live's 44th season features veteran host Steve Carell, who returns to the studio for his third time. The beloved actor and comedian is joined by musical guest Ella Mai, a British singer and songwriter who rose to fame in 2018 with her hit single "Boo'd Up."

As always, Saturday Night Live brings a mixture of comedy sketches, political commentary, and musical performances to the stage. The show opens with a cold open sketch that takes a satirical look at the controversial appointment of Matthew Whittaker as acting Attorney General. From there, the show moves into a series of sketches that poke fun at a variety of topics, including Thanksgiving dinners with relatives, dating in the Me Too era, and the absurdity of Instagram influencers.

One particularly memorable sketch features Carell and SNL cast member Kate McKinnon as Jeff Bezos and his new flame, played by Cecily Strong. In the sketch, Bezos and his lover are confronted by his wife, played by Leslie Jones, who is outraged by their affair. The sketch draws laughs by satirizing Bezos' high-profile divorce, as well as the billionaire's recent announcement that Amazon is splitting its second headquarters between two cities.

Another standout sketch of the episode is a fake commercial for a pill called "Leave Me Alone," which promises to rid its users of unwanted attention from relatives during the holiday season. The sketch is relatable and humorous, tapping into the stress that many people feel during the holidays when they are forced to spend time with overbearing family members.

In addition to its comedic sketches, Saturday Night Live continues to showcase its political commentary chops with its usual Weekend Update segment. During this episode, hosts Michael Che and Colin Jost tackle a variety of current events, including the recent firing of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the ongoing investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election, and the heated race for the Georgia governorship.

Of course, no episode of SNL is complete without its musical performances. Ella Mai brings a soulful energy to the stage as she performs her hits "Boo'd Up" and "Trip," showcasing her impressive vocals and captivating stage presence.

Overall, Saturday Night Live's seventh episode of its 44th season offers up plenty of laughs and insights. With Steve Carell as the host and Ella Mai as the musical guest, the episode delivers a winning combination of humor and heart. Fans of the show won't want to miss this latest installment.