close
close

first Drop

Com TW NOw News 2024

‘SNL’ season premiere debuts new Walz, Vance and Biden impressions
news

‘SNL’ season premiere debuts new Walz, Vance and Biden impressions

play

“Saturday Night Live” is back to tackle the 2024 presidential election with a cavalcade of new impressions.

The NBC sketch show returned for its 50th season premiere on Saturday, kicking off with a packed opening sketch featuring Jim Gaffigan as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Andy Samberg as Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff and Dana Carvey as President Joe Biden.

Maya Rudolph returned as Vice President Kamala Harris, who held a campaign rally in a swing state in the parody. The show had quite a bit of territory to cover, as Harris became the Democratic presidential nominee during the “SNL” hiatus after Biden withdrew from the election.

“Well, well, well,” Rudolph’s Harris declared. “Look who fell out of that coconut tree.”

Join our viewing party! Sign up to get USA TODAY’s movie and TV recommendations delivered straight to your inbox.

She continued, “My campaign is like the song ‘Espresso’ by Sabrina Carpenter. The lyrics are vague, but the atmosphere is striking.”

Gaffigan soon came in as Walz, ending the mystery of who would play Harris’ running mate on the show after Steve Martin turned down the role. “Folks, I haven’t been this excited since I got 10% off a leaf blower from Menards!” he announced. “What can I say? I got that BDE: Big Dad Energy.”

SNL’ Announces Season 50 Lineup: Ariana Grande, Chappell Roan, Billie Eilish, John Mulaney and more

“When Kamala Harris called me and asked if I wanted to be her vice president, I said, ‘Uh, yeah!’ he said. “This is personal to me. I love this country and as a former teacher I need the money. This suit is from Costco!”

Another star wasn’t far behind: Samberg, a former “SNL” cast member who debuted his impression of Harris’ husband, Emhoff. Sambergs Emhoff described himself as “Charlie Brown as an adult” and stated that he is proud to “join the esteemed list of presidential spouses throughout history, women and men – but all women – who have stood by the side of the President,” and added, “I can’t wait to decorate the White House for Christmas. The theme will be Hanukkah!”

SNL star Chloe Troast leaves the show: She told fans she was “not asked back.”

As the sketch transitioned to former President Donald Trump’s rally, James Austin Johnson’s Trump introduced his running mate: Sen. J.D. Vance, played by “SNL” cast member Bowen Yang. “People say he was a bad choice, and in many ways he was,” Johnson’s Trump said of Vance.

After taking the stage, Yang’s Vance recalled Trump telling him, “JD, you’re like a son to me because I don’t like you and I’m stuck with you.”

The skit quickly returned to Harris’ rally as yet another star took the stage: “SNL” alum Dana Carvey, who played President Joe Biden. “A lot of people forget that I’m president, including myself,” he said, also mocking Biden’s tendency to say “by the way” and “no joke” often. When Rudolph’s Harris, mispronouncing Biden’s name, thanked him for dropping out of the race, he responded, “I didn’t want that!” You made me!’

Jean Smart Hosts ‘SNL’ Premiere and Jokes About Her New Emmy for ‘Hacks’

“Hacks” star Jean Smart hosted the season premiere of “SNL,” fresh off another Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. “I’m not fully dressed up and I’ve had hundreds of people clapping for me in days,” she joked. Smart also sang a song about how much she loves New York, joking at one point, “I saw Mayor (Eric) Adams in the news. I didn’t read it. I’m sure it’s for something good.”

“SNL” returns next week with host Nate Bargatze and musical guest Coldplay.