Last night’s was likely one of the most significant episodes in SNL’s 50th season. On Tuesday Americans will place their votes in a very historic presidential election. SNL is always known for its political comedic commentary which was shown in this episode’s cold open.
The cold open stars Chloe Fineman as CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins hosting “The Source” flipping between both presidential candidates to make their final pitches to the American people.
This allowed us to see James Austin Johnson as Donald Trump at a rally, sporting a reflector vest and making jokes about Trump’s recent political publicity stunts of working on a garbage truck. Johnson ends his part of the skit with “Nobody cares,” and brings JD Vance played by Bowen Yang on stage.
This then brings us to the next part of our cold opening with Maya Rudolph with an amazing impression of Kamala Harris. Very reminiscent of Tina Fey’s Sarah Palin. This also includes other SNL alumni playing other members of the democratic campaign like Dana Carvey as Joe Biden, and Andy Sandberg as Doug Emhoff.
The best part though is when Rudolph is alone on her last campaign stop in Pennsylvania and wants to talk to someone that has been in her shoes. Preferably someone who is a black South Asian woman running for president from the Bay Area.
We then get a roaring applause as we get a surprise cameo from the real presidential candidate Kamala Harris
Check out the full clip below!
The Monologue
John Mulaney, comedian and writer, made his highly anticipated return to Saturday Night Live for the 6th time on November 2nd, 2024, with musical guest Chappell Roan.
Mulaney’s opening monologue was a hilarious reflection on his recent experiences of becoming a father and being the tallest person in his household. Jokes were also made about his grandparents, who were old enough to be grandparents of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
He also talks about his grandfather, a man from a simpler time who was too old to fight in World War II.
Not only was the opening monologue hilarious but it also featured equally hilarious sketches like “What’s That Name: Election Edition” featuring a surprise cameo, Hillary Clinton’s VP Tim Kaine, Beppo, Port Authority Duane Reade with another surprise cameo from SNL alumni Pete Davison
Check out the Sketches below !!
This episode of SNL also featured musical guest Chappell Roan who has been in the political orbit recently, stating that she will vote for Harris but will not endorse her stating:
“I have so many issues with our government in every way… There are so many things that I would want to change. So I don’t feel pressured to endorse someone. There’s problems on both sides.”
Chappell Roan gives a powerful performance of the “Pink Pony Club” and debuts her new country song called “The Giver”
Check out “The Pink Pony Club” performance below!
Overall, I only check out SNL when a celebrity I know can be funny and can deliver jokes and John Maunley is one of them. Maunley knows how to work the SNL stage not only for his comedic talents but he has worked on the show as a writer and producer from 2008 to 2012
This episode can not be missed! check it out in full if you have not done so already, It is currently streaming on Peacock.
Staff Writer & Media Critic for Big Gold Belt Media: NYC Actress | Twitch Streamer | Artist