'SNL' Sketch Envisions a Peppy Morning Show’s Reaction to Ferguson Unrest

News anchors are often tasked with switching from a tragic story to a lighthearted topic in an instant, stern expressions moving seamlessly into energetic smiles with the continuous scroll of the teleprompter. But it’s not always easy to just grin and bear it when your city is suffering. Saturday Night Live took a humorous approach to these awkward segues with a sketch about a St. Louis lifestyle program hopelessly attempting to stay positive despite protests in nearby Ferguson.

The segment, which was reportedly cut from Saturday’s show owing to time constraints, stars cast members Cecily Strong and Kenan Thompson, who play the hosts on a fictional morning show called Rise and Smile. But the duo don’t have much to smile about after the grand jury decides not to indict police officer Darren Wilson for the death of Michael Brown, reigniting protests filled with tear gas, smashed windows, and vandalized vehicles.

Awkward slips of the tongue make for comically uncomfortable moments as Thompson’s Kip announces a holiday fun run as the “superior race,” and Strong’s Jenny accidentally says “blackies” when trying to refer to musical group the Black Keys.

Guest host James Franco makes an appearance as the show’s guest chef, who is on hand to prepare a grand jury prize–winning frittata recipe. “And who am I to argue with the grand jury?” asks Franco’s chef, who bears the name Darrell Wilson.

“People don’t get to choose their names. I, Darrell Wilson, am the victim here,” he protests.

What else can these hosts do but end their program almost an hour early? Time for a commercial break—but not before throwing to a poorly chosen rendition of Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire.”