Summary
The 50th season premiere of Saturday Night Live (SNL) featured a political cold open sketch that humorously addressed the current 2024 presidential election landscape. The sketch showcased familiar faces portraying key figures, including Vice President Kamala Harris, her running mate Tim Walz, and former President Donald Trump, while also highlighting the chaotic nature of the election cycle.
In the cold open, former cast member Maya Rudolph reprised her role as Kamala Harris, delivering lines that emphasized her campaign’s forward-looking message. She was joined by Jim Gaffigan as Tim Walz, who brought a light-hearted “Big Dad Energy” to the sketch, and Andy Samberg as Doug Emhoff, Harris’s husband. The sketch also featured Dana Carvey returning as President Joe Biden and James Austin Johnson as Trump, who lamented Biden’s absence in the race. The comedic interplay highlighted various campaign themes, including Harris’s determination to move the country forward and Trump’s nostalgic longing for Biden’s presence, while poking fun at the absurdities of the current political climate. The cold open served as a reminder of SNL’s long-standing tradition of satirizing political events and figures, setting the tone for the season ahead.
Key Elements of the Cold Open
- Character Portrayals:
- Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris emphasized her campaign’s themes.
- Jim Gaffigan played Tim Walz, delivering humorous lines about his excitement for the campaign.
- Andy Samberg portrayed Doug Emhoff, adding comedic flair regarding his supportive role.
- Political Commentary:
- The sketch highlighted the chaotic nature of the election, with Trump expressing nostalgia for Biden’s candidacy.
- The interplay between characters underscored key issues in the election, such as the shifting political landscape and the candidates’ approaches.
- Cultural References:
- Rudolph’s Harris referenced pop culture, comparing her campaign to a song by Sabrina Carpenter, showcasing the blend of humor and relatability.
Overall, the cold open effectively set the stage for SNL’s exploration of the 2024 election, illustrating the show’s ability to reflect and satirize the current political environment while engaging its audience with familiar comedic styles.
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Nov. 3 / E! Online / Covers the premiere with a focus on character portrayals and comedic moments. The article provides a solid overview of the political landscape addressed, making it a reliable source for fans. “ Live from New York, it's the cast of the 2024 election . When Saturday Night Live returned Sept. 28 for its 50th season, the show kicked off with a political...
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Sep. 29 / Yahoo! News / Examines the significance of SNL's return while detailing the comedic elements. While informative, it could benefit from a deeper exploration of the implications of the political satire presented. “ kicked off the premiere of its season with a mix of political satire and star power, thanks to host and musical guest Jelly Roll. Fans had been eagerly...
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Sep. 29 / L.a. Times / Delivers a detailed account of the cold open, showcasing the humor and character portrayals. It effectively captures the essence of SNL's political satire while providing relevant context. “ “Saturday Night Live” kicked off its 50th season ready to take on the 2024 presidential campaign, and it finally revealed who was tapped to play key figures,...
Sep. 29 / Glamour / Captures the essence of the cold open, emphasizing Maya Rudolph’s portrayal of Kamala Harris and the sketch's implications for political satire. It provides a nuanced view of the show's direction this season. “ There’s a sketch from an October 2016 episode of Saturday Night Live that—no matter how you voted in the last two presidential elections, or how you will in...
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Sep. 29 / Insider / Details the new political character line-up, offering insights into the casting choices. The article's focus on SNL's historical impact on political perception adds depth to the context of the premiere. “ "Saturday Night Live" premiered its 50th season on NBC. The cast portrayed leading political figures during the episode. Maya Rudolph appeared as Vice...
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Sep. 29 / E! Online / Highlights the debut of key cast members for SNL's 50th season, particularly Jim Gaffigan as Tim Walz. The playful banter between characters adds a humorous touch to the political landscape presented. “ Live from New York, it's the cast of the 2024 election. With just over a month to go until former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris...
Sep. 29 / Yahoo! News / Highlights Maya Rudolph's return as Kamala Harris and the comedic dynamics among cast members, providing a lively recap of the cold open. The focus on humor and political commentary makes it engaging. “ kicked off the premiere of its season with a mix of political satire and star power, thanks to host and musical guest Jelly Roll. Fans had been eagerly...
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Sep. 29 / Usa Today / Analyzes the political satire of the season premiere, focusing on character interactions and humor. The writing style is engaging, making it an enjoyable piece for fans of political comedy. “ WASHINGTON - "Saturday Night Live" kicked off its 50th season with its political bread-and-butter: A parody of the presidential campaign . All the candidates...
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Sep. 29 / Nbc News / Presents a comprehensive overview of the cold open, emphasizing the humor and character portrayals. The article effectively contextualizes the political commentary within the sketch, making it informative. “ "Saturday Night Live" kicked off a historic 50th season by having beloved show veterans join its contemporary talents to present a satirical view of the...
Sep. 29 / Deadline / Focuses on the comedic elements and character portrayals in the cold open, effectively capturing the humor of the political landscape. The article's detailed descriptions of jokes add depth to the analysis of the sketch. “ (Updated with SNL & Trump tweets, video) “Well, well, well, look who fell out of that coconut tree,” said Maya Rudolph tonight kicking off the cold open of...
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Sep. 29 / The Hollywood Reporter / Explores the political satire of the season premiere, emphasizing the comedic elements. The article's engaging writing style makes it an enjoyable read for fans of political humor. “ It’s no surprise that ‘s milestone 50th season kicked off with a focus on one of the most highly-anticipated events... the upcoming 2024 presidential...
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Sep. 28 / Npr / Explores the challenges SNL faces in satirizing modern politics, providing a broader perspective on the show's impact. The discussion of past impressions adds depth, though it may veer into excessive detail for some. “ As a comedy nerd who has watched Saturday Night Live since I stumbled on a rerun of the debut episode back in the mid-1970s, I’m convinced SNL has had a...