The American ideal of meritocracy — the belief that hard work and talent should determine success — has shaped generations.

Lovers of music on “SNL” have other chances to celebrate. NBC has scheduled “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert” for Friday night. It'll stream live on Peacock, beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern and 5 p.m.

Felipe Esparza is the definition of a self-made comic—unapologetically real, brutally honest, and ridiculously funny. Born in Mexico and raised in East L.A., he navigated a rough upbringing before ...