SNL Season 50 Premiere Kicks Off with Star-Studded Political Parodies and Hilarious Sketches
A Milestone Season Launches with a Political Twist
The 50th season of Saturday Night Live (SNL) began with a bang on September 28, 2024, focusing on one of the year’s hottest topics — the 2024 presidential election. The long-running sketch comedy show returned with its signature blend of satire and humor, diving straight into political impersonations and sketches. Hosted by the iconic Jean Smart, with musical guest Jelly Roll, the premiere set the tone for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.
A Political Cold Open Featuring Star Appearances
The cold open kicked off with an array of celebrity guest appearances portraying political candidates, marking the show’s take on the upcoming election cycle. Maya Rudolph reprised her beloved role as Kamala Harris, while Jim Gaffigan played Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Dana Carvey brought his signature comedic flair as President Joe Biden, and Andy Samberg returned to the SNL stage as Douglas Emhoff, Harris’s husband.
The sketch opened with SNL cast member Andrew Dismukes portraying David Muir, the anchor of ABC News, announcing a live check-in with the various candidates on the campaign trail. The camera then cut to Rudolph’s Kamala Harris rally, where she kicked things off with her trademark charm and humor. “Well, your fun aunt has returned,” she announced. “I am so happy to be campaigning in whatever swing state I’m in, which I will just refer to as Wisconsin-Pennsyl-Georgia because I am going to protect your Va-Georgia.”
Rudolph continued her mock campaign speech, infusing pop culture references as she compared her campaign to Sabrina Carpenter’s song “Espresso,” quipping, “The lyrics are vague, but the vibe slaps.” She closed her bit with a humorous jab at Donald Trump, saying, “We are not going back!” — a nod to political catchphrases and campaign rhetoric.
Jim Gaffigan’s Tim Walz and Andy Samberg’s Douglas Emhoff Steal the Show
Jim Gaffigan’s portrayal of Tim Walz was met with laughs as he took the stage with a cheerful grin. “I haven’t been this excited since I got a 10 percent rebate on a leaf blower for Menards,” he quipped, in a perfect nod to his character’s everyman appeal. Gaffigan’s Walz then added a memorable one-liner: “I got that B.D.E… Big Dad Energy. You see what I did there?” Maya Rudolph’s Harris replied with a deadpan, “I got it. I didn’t want it, but I got it,” adding to the comedic rhythm of the scene.
Andy Samberg then made a surprise appearance as Douglas Emhoff, delivering a fiery message for Republicans. “I’ve heard what the right says about me just because I’m unapologetic about being a man supporting his wife: ‘Oh, he’s a beta, a wife guy, a trad husband, a little spoon.’ You know what, if helping Kamala — who we call Mamala in my family — become president means being a little spoon, then you can kiss my little butt,” Samberg’s Emhoff declared.
James Austin Johnson and Bowen Yang Add Their Take on Trump and Vance
The sketch then switched gears to Donald Trump’s rally, where James Austin Johnson and Bowen Yang shone as Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance. In classic SNL style, Johnson’s Trump delivered a mix of rambling statements, expressing his bizarre nostalgia for Biden: “Oh Joe, we miss Joe Biden folks. What we wouldn’t give to have him stand next to me and be old.”
Yang’s J.D. Vance brought his own comedic energy, quoting a fictional conversation with Trump: “Just this afternoon, he [Trump] told me, ‘J.D., you’re like a son to me because I don’t like you, but I’m stuck with you.’” The audience roared with laughter as the skit highlighted the absurdity of political alliances.
Dana Carvey’s Return as Joe Biden Caps the Segment
The cold open concluded with a surprise appearance by Dana Carvey, a long-time SNL veteran, reprising his role as President Joe Biden. “A lot of people forget I’m president, including me,” Carvey’s Biden joked, drawing loud applause from the live studio audience. His inclusion served as a reminder of Carvey’s legendary status on the show and his enduring ability to capture the quirks of American politicians.
Jean Smart Shines as Host, Pokes Fun at NYC and SNL’s Legacy
The legendary Jean Smart took the stage as the season 50 premiere’s host, bringing a sense of prestige and seasoned comedic timing to the night. Smart opened her monologue by reminiscing about the show’s early days: “I remember watching the very first episode of SNL and thinking, ‘Someday, I’m gonna host that show.’ And this is the first Saturday that worked with my schedule.” Her dry humor and self-awareness made for an engaging start.
Throughout her monologue, Smart highlighted the unique elements of New York City, where SNL has been filmed since its inception. With the fall season in full swing, she humorously noted, “I love the stink of it, especially in autumn when all the garbage on the street is finally changing colors — beautiful, beautiful.” She didn’t shy away from political humor either, taking a jab at NYC’s embattled mayor, Eric Adams, who is facing federal charges for allegedly accepting illegal campaign contributions and bribes.
Musical Guest Jelly Roll Delivers a Memorable Performance
Rounding out the night was musical guest Jelly Roll, who brought his unique blend of country, rock, and hip-hop to the SNL stage. Performing hits from his latest album, Jelly Roll captivated the audience with his raw, emotional style and powerful stage presence. The choice of Jelly Roll as the musical act was a departure from the typical pop or indie choices, aligning with the show’s strategy of mixing it up and keeping things fresh for its milestone season.
A Strong Start to a Promising Season
The 50th season premiere of Saturday Night Live successfully combined political satire with star-studded appearances, delivering a perfect blend of humor and social commentary. With an election year ahead, it’s no surprise that SNL is ramping up its political content. The show’s knack for capturing the absurdity of real-world events through comedy remains as sharp as ever.
Fans can look forward to a season filled with more surprises, celebrity cameos, and, of course, SNL’s signature style of taking on the political landscape with a humorous twist. As always, the show’s success will hinge on its ability to balance topical humor with timeless sketches that resonate across generations.
For Saturday Night Live, reaching its 50th season is more than just a milestone — it’s a testament to the show’s impact on American comedy and culture. The premiere has set high expectations, and if the first episode is any indication, SNL is poised to deliver another memorable season.
Conclusion
With its focus on the 2024 presidential election and a mix of both familiar and new faces, SNL’s 50th season promises to keep audiences entertained and engaged. The opening night’s combination of Maya Rudolph’s Kamala Harris, Jim Gaffigan’s Tim Walz, Dana Carvey’s Joe Biden, and more showed that the show hasn’t lost its touch for political parody. Jean Smart’s hosting and Jelly Roll’s musical performance rounded out a night of top-tier entertainment, ensuring that Saturday Night Live remains a cultural staple in late-night television.
