I’ve been a dedicated viewer of Saturday Night Live since my school days, religiously waking up on Sunday mornings to catch the latest episode. It’s a tradition I cherish, even when the humor falls a little flat. But this weekend’s 50th-anniversary episode was a triumph, delivering laughs on almost every front. Sure, there were moments that missed the mark – let’s hope the “brat summer” jokes fade away now that autumn has arrived – but with the 2024 presidential election looming, it was refreshing to see SNL’s familiar faces and find humor in the current political climate. Here are five highlights from the first episode of SNL season 50:
Maya Rudolph’s Kamala Harris Return
Do coconut-tree jokes feel a bit stale? Perhaps. But honestly, Maya Rudolph could recite an old-school SNL punchline like “Schweddy Balls” and I’d still be thrilled to see her. Jim Gaffigan was hilariously perfect as Tim Walz, Harris’s running mate, and Bowen Yang’s portrayal of JD Vance was spot-on. While Andy Samberg’s Doug Emhoff wasn’t as accurate, Andy Samberg being funny is a given, so I can forgive it.
Jean Smart’s Heartfelt Opening Monologue
I’m on record as having a major crush on Jean Smart, but even without that obsession, I would have loved her half-spoken, half-sung ode to New York (and her substantial lesbian fan base). It was heartwarming and genuine.
Hannah Einbinder Joins Smart for Musical Guest Announcement
I feel like I’ve been waiting my whole life to hear Jean Smart say, “We’ve got a great show for you tonight, Jelly Roll is here!” And I’m genuinely curious who was responsible for informing Smart about Jelly Roll. But beyond that, the real-life friendship between Smart and her Hacks co-star Einbinder is touching, and it was lovely to see Einbinder involved in her friend’s big night.
Bowen Yang’s Moo Deng!
I didn’t think anything could top Bowen Yang’s portrayal of the iceberg that sunk the Titanic, but seeing him dressed up as everyone’s favorite Thai baby pygmy hippo was exactly what I needed. Hose!!!!!!!!! (Also, Yang was incredibly busy that night, appearing in what felt like a dozen sketches in a row – that’s what I like to see!)
Smart’s Delivery of “Are You Gay?”
The I Love Lucy parody that prompted this one-liner was a little underwhelming, but hearing Smart as Lucy ask Desi this question genuinely made me spit out my seltzer. It was a perfect moment of comedic timing and delivery.
