As Saturday Night Live kicked off its 50th season, viewers were treated to a glimpse into the comedic world of the 2024 presidential election. The return of Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris was widely anticipated, given her successful portrayal during the 2019 Democratic primary. But with Harris now running for president, SNL had to fill the roles of her campaign team. Enter Jim Gaffigan as her running mate, Tim Walz, and Andy Samberg, who made a welcome return to the show to play Harris’s husband, Doug Emhoff.
The premiere also revealed the cast’s plans for the Trump campaign. James Austin Johnson continues to play Donald Trump, while Bowen Yang will be taking on the role of his running mate, JD Vance.
Perhaps the most notable casting news was the return of Dana Carvey to the show, taking on the role of Joe Biden. Biden has been a challenging character for SNL in recent years, with several cast members attempting to capture his essence. Carvey’s return, after an absence since 2011, is sure to bring fresh perspective to the role.
While it remains unclear how frequently these actors will appear in their respective roles, with the election just a few weeks away, their appearances are sure to add some laughs to the political landscape. The premiere of SNL’s 50th season has certainly set the stage for a comedically charged election season.
