Saturday Night Live

2024 - 9 - 29

SNL's 50th Season: A Hilarious Roast of Our Political Faves!

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Join us as we dive into the uproarious chaos of SNL's star-studded 50th season premiere with Maya Rudolph, Dana Carvey, and endless laughs!

*Saturday Night Live* kicked off its much-anticipated 50th season with a bang and a parade of comedic brilliance! The cold open featured comedy titans Maya Rudolph as Vice President Kamala Harris and Dana Carvey as President Joe Biden, bringing to life all the political drama as only SNL can. With appearances by Andy Samberg reprising his role as Doug Emhoff and Jim Gaffigan channeling Tim Walz, the show was an ensemble of delightful nostalgia, perfectly timed for today’s political climate. With laughs that felt both familiar and fresh, the cast didn’t shy away from poking fun at the 2024 election contenders, setting the comedic tone for a sensational season.

In the heart of NYC, the premiere also saw the return of beloved former cast members who dazzled the audience with comedic gems. Bowen Yang brought absolute charm as Moo Deng, while Jean Smart, the host for the evening, seamlessly navigated through quips and commentary that even left her wondering who Jelly Roll was. The episode balanced humor with insightful jabs at current political figures, including light-hearted mockery of former President Donald Trump and North Carolina Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson. It was reality wrapped in laughter, and boy, did they deliver!

But it wasn’t all about breezy punchlines; some moments from the show left audiences pondering the ever-changing landscape of American politics. The superficiality and unpredictability of modern politics was mirrored in SNL’s clever parodies. Maya Rudolph, while delivering a continuously engaging representation of Kamala Harris, provided commentary regarding the vice president’s complex role in a partisan world. Carvey’s portrayal of Biden, not to be left out, delivered a series of remarks that aimed to capture Biden’s mixed legacy, often underlined with shades of humor and heart.

As fans reflect on the premiere, some moments of the show perhaps weren't as uproarious as expected, showcasing a nuanced step in SNL's long history. Yet, the energy remains palpable as they move into this landmark season. Did you know that SNL has secured its spot as one of the longest-running TV programs in America, premiering in 1975? Moreover, it has launched the careers of many beloved stars, turning them into household names. With its iconic sketches and unapologetic commentary on the state of our union, SNL seems ready to embrace its 50th season while continuing to poke fun at the foibles of political life!

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Image courtesy of "NBC"

Maya Rudolph and Dana Carvey Were Kamala Harris and Joe ... (NBC)

Watch Rudoph as Harris, Dana Carvey as Joe Biden, Andy Samberg as Doug Emhoff, and Jim Gaffigan as Tim Walz in SNL's Season 50 cold open.

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Image courtesy of "Vogue.com"

The 5 Best Moments from Saturday Night Live's 50th Anniversary ... (Vogue.com)

We laughed, we said "aww" when Bowen Yang dressed up as Moo Deng, and we wondered—who told host Jean Smart who Jelly Roll is?

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Image courtesy of "Politico"

Maya Rudolph as Harris and Dana Carvey as Biden open 50th ... (Politico)

NEW YORK — “Saturday Night Live” began its 50th season with a parade of former co-stars, including Maya Rudolph as Vice President Kamala Harris, ...

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Image courtesy of "Vulture"

'SNL' Recap, Season 50, Episode 1: Jean Smart (Vulture)

The jam-packed premiere has a lot of catching up to do after an eventful summer. Luckily, Jean Smart is the perfect host to kick off season 50.

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Image courtesy of "CNN"

'SNL' kicked off Season 50 with star-studded cold open about ... (CNN)

James Austin Johnson as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, right, and Bowen Yang as vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance during ...

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Image courtesy of "USA TODAY"

'Saturday Night Live' jabs Trump and Harris – alongside Biden ... (USA TODAY)

The cast of "Saturday Night Live" also made joke after joke about North Carolina Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson.

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Image courtesy of "The New York Times"

'S.N.L.' Recap: Maya Rudolph Returns to Play Kamala Harris (The New York Times)

The 50th season began with several surprise guests and alumni — including Dana Carvey, Jim Gaffigan and Andy Samberg — playing figures in the 2024 election.

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Image courtesy of "Awards Daily"

The Problem with Saturday Night and Saturday Night Live ... (Awards Daily)

The seasoner opener for SNL brought out some mildly funny bits. Maya Rudolph is always great but her Kamala Harris this time around isn't as funny as the ...

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Image courtesy of "Business Insider"

'Saturday Night Live' debuts its new cast of political characters (Business Insider)

Maya Rudolph appeared as Vice President Kamala Harris, while Bowen Yang played Ohio Sen. JD Vance. Insider Today. Sign up to ...

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Image courtesy of "The Washington Post"

Live, from New York! A sort of meh TV show. (The Washington Post)

Going into Season 50, “Saturday Night Live” is a predictable old friend. It could use a dose of its original anarchy.

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Image courtesy of "CBS News"

Jim Gaffigan as Tim Walz makes debut on "Saturday Night Live" (CBS News)

"Saturday Night Live" kicked off its 50th season with a cold open featuring comedian Jim Gaffigan as Democratic vice presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz.

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Image courtesy of "Raleigh News & Observer"

'Saturday Night Live' takes on North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark ... (Raleigh News & Observer)

'Saturday Night Live' takes on North Carolina lieutenant governor Mark Robinson's scandal over porn posts in a skit in the season opener.

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