Guess who’s back, folks? Saturday Night Live kicked off its landmark 50th season with a bang, bringing together a star-studded cast of SNL alumni for a hilarious political cold open. But the question on everyone’s mind is: did they nail it?
A-List Alumni Return for Political Parody
The 50th season premiere of Saturday Night Live didn’t hold back, assembling a dream team of comedic talent to tackle the current political landscape. Here’s who showed up to play:
- Maya Rudolph reprising her Emmy-winning role as Vice President Kamala Harris
- Dana Carvey making a surprise appearance as President Joe Biden
- Andy Samberg stepping in as Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff
- Jim Gaffigan joining the fun as Tim Walz
Talk about a powerhouse lineup! But did these SNL veterans still have what it takes to bring down the house?
Laughter in the Face of Political Drama
The cold open cleverly poked fun at the current political climate, with Rudolph-as-Harris declaring, “We’ve got to stay focused. If we win, together, we can end the drama-la and the trauma-la and go relax in our pajama-las.” Classic SNL wordplay, am I right?
Meanwhile, Carvey’s Biden hilariously quipped, “A lot of people forget I’m president, including me.” It’s this kind of self-aware humor that’s kept SNL relevant for half a century.
Jean Smart Takes the Helm
Emmy-winning actress Jean Smart made her SNL hosting debut at 73, proving it’s never too late to try something new. In her opening monologue, Smart joked, “I remember watching the first episode of ‘SNL’ and thinking, ‘someday I’m going to host that show.’ And this is the first Saturday that fit my schedule.”
Smart’s appearance alongside musical guest Jelly Roll showcased SNL’s ability to blend established talent with fresh faces. Speaking of which, how about that Jelly Roll performance?
Looking Ahead: SNL’s Golden Anniversary
With the 50th season underway, SNL is gearing up for a massive celebration. Here’s what’s on the horizon:
- Upcoming hosts include Nate Bargatze, Ariana Grande, Michael Keaton, and John Mulaney
- Musical guests like Coldplay, Stevie Nicks, and Billie Eilish are set to perform
- A three-hour primetime special on February 16th will serve as the official 50th anniversary bash
Will we see even more SNL alumni return for the big 5-0? With a history of launching careers like Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, and Will Ferrell, the possibilities are endless.
The Legacy Continues
As Saturday Night Live enters its sixth decade, it’s clear that the show’s political satire and star-making power are stronger than ever. From the Not Ready for Prime Time Players to today’s cast led by talents like James Austin Johnson, Colin Jost, and Michael Che, SNL continues to shape American comedy and culture.
So, what’s the secret to SNL’s longevity? Is it the razor-sharp writing, the fearless performances, or the guiding hand of creator Lorne Michaels? Whatever the formula, one thing’s for sure: after 50 years, Saturday Night Live is still very much alive.