Al Franken, known for his sharp wit and fearless humor, first made a name for himself as both a sketch comedy writer and featured performer on “Saturday Night Live” (NBC, 1975– ). Alongside his longtime friend Tom Davis, Al Franken crafted edgy satire that didn’t shy away from controversy—taking aim at political figures, pop culture icons, and even the head of NBC itself. These bold parodies, often delivered with a mix of irony and irreverence, earned big laughs but also sparked backlash, ultimately leading to Al Franken’s five-year absence from the show. When Al Franken returned in 1985, his comedic style had matured; he remained hilarious, yet adopted a more measured tone, moving slightly away from the outrageous antics of earlier years.
Even as he continued in entertainment, Al Franken always showed a deep interest in politics. After leaving “SNL” in 1995, Al Franken leaned fully into this passion, especially as he grew increasingly critical of the conservative wave sweeping through America in the late ‘90s. That frustration fueled a series of bestselling books—works packed with humor and incisive critique—that solidified Al Franken’s reputation as a liberal voice with both brains and bite. Then, in 2004, Al Franken took his message to the airwaves with a popular radio show on Air America, where his intelligent, fact-driven commentary resonated with a growing audience.
Beyond writing and broadcasting, Al Franken was deeply committed to public service. He frequently joined USO tours, traveling to conflict zones in Iraq and Afghanistan to support U.S. troops—a testament to his genuine sense of duty. This dedication paved the way for his most significant transition: from entertainer to elected official. In 2008, Al Franken ran for the U.S. Senate, becoming one of the few celebrities to seriously pursue public office not for personal gain, but to make a difference. As a senator, Al Franken proved to be diligent and detail-oriented, championing Democratic priorities with thorough research and thoughtful advocacy.
However, Al Franken’s political journey came to a sudden end in 2017. Amid a surge of sexual misconduct allegations from several women, Al Franken faced intense scrutiny. After much reflection, he announced his resignation during a press conference on December 7, 2017, stepping down from the Senate. While his legacy remains complex, there’s no denying that Al Franken left a lasting mark—first as a groundbreaking comedian, then as a passionate advocate for progressive values.
When it comes to Al Franken’s career in film, there’s a clear standout when you look at the ratings. Al Franken’s highest rated movie is An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power from 2017—a documentary that really resonated with audiences and critics alike. It’s definitely one of the high points in Al Franken’s body of work. On the other end of the spectrum, Al Franken’s lowest rated film is Stuart Saves His Family, which came out back in 1995. While it had its moments, especially for fans of his earlier comedic style, it just didn’t get the same kind of reception. So overall, if you’re exploring Al Franken’s contributions to film, those two titles mark the top and bottom in terms of critical response.