Tommy Brennan, a 31-year-old comedian from St. Paul, made his notable debut on the iconic sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live” during its 51st season. After three episodes, Brennan finally received significant screen time in a segment on “Weekend Update,” showcasing his comedic talent and Midwestern charm.
In his three-and-a-half-minute appearance, co-host Colin Jost introduced Brennan, prompting him to share his thoughts on adjusting to life in New York City. “Well, it’s a little different from home,” Brennan remarked, humorously referencing his background. “I’m from the Midwest. Not sure if you can tell from my kind eyes and secret drinking problem.” This self-deprecating humor set the tone for the segment, as he embraced his roots as one of eight children in a large Minnesotan family.
The audience laughed when Jost highlighted the rarity of such a big family. “Yeah. I think probably ‘cause it’s the wrong choice,” Brennan replied, eliciting more laughter with his candidness. He recalled his childhood fondly, describing a unique aspect of his upbringing: a cafeteria-style milk machine in his home and the friendly milkman, Tim. “Tim the milkman was a big part of my life,” Brennan 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?’”
Brennan’s playful banter continued as he discussed his first experiences with the subway, revealing his excitement about navigating the city. “It was cool. It was exhilarating. It was, uh, it was on the way out. But, like, it felt good. It still counts, you know?” His relatable anecdotes resonated with viewers, further enhancing his connection with the audience.
The segment concluded with Brennan reflecting on his Catholic upbringing, which instilled a sense of guilt in him about certain childhood experiences. He joked about not being able to confess to “the one sin that me and every other 12-year-old boy was committing constantly.” This candid admission left viewers chuckling, demonstrating his ability to blend humor with personal storytelling.
Brennan’s debut is significant as he joins a competitive cast that includes ten repertory players and seven featured players. He will need to continue impressing audiences to secure more screen time in the future. With his unique perspective and engaging personality, Brennan is poised to become a memorable presence on “SNL.”
As the season unfolds, fans will be eager to see how he evolves within this storied platform, following in the footsteps of many successful comedians who have graced the show’s stage.
