Kenan Thompson

“Because I think everybody's focusing in on this one specific word or one specific part of the monologue, and then the rest of the monologue, or even the rest of the show, is getting overshadowed.”

Kenan Thompson · said 2026-10-20 · reported 2026-10-23

Thompson said focusing on one specific word overshadows the rest of the monologue and show.

“But if he were to come back, then yeah, I think we would have to have some sort of like, a real chat where, you know, people's actions don't, you know, kind of overly like wave pool the rest of us, if you will,”

Kenan Thompson · said 2026-10-20 · reported 2026-10-23

Thompson said if Gillis returned they would need a real chat so one person's actions don't overwhelm the rest.

“If he were to come back, I'm sure we would have a conversation of like, ‘How do you think that went?’ You know what I mean? And what do you think you could have done? Like a little kid, you know? Like I would just sit him down and be like, ‘Yeah, so what do you think we could change there, pal?’ And just figure it out,”

Kenan Thompson · said 2026-10-20 · reported 2026-10-23

Thompson addressed the criticism of Shane Gillis at the Axios Media Trends Live summit on Tuesday.

“I guess it's just finding the balance of both things, like allowing creative liberties, but also kind of like watching your step as far as harmful words are concerned,”

Kenan Thompson · said 2026-10-20 · reported 2026-10-23

Thompson suggested performers must balance creative liberties with avoiding harmful words.