‘SNL’ Season 50 Premiere Kicks Off on the Campaign Trail With Maya Rudolph and Jim Gaffigan

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‘SNL’ Season 50 Premiere Kicks Off on the Campaign Trail With Maya Rudolph and Jim Gaffigan

As a gamer who has seen his fair share of political satire games and lived through some real-life political drama, I must admit that Saturday Night Live’s 50th season opener was a breath of fresh air. The cold open focusing on the 2024 presidential election was spot-on, with Maya Rudolph‘s Kamala Harris stealing the show. Her reference to her campaign being like Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” had me laughing out loud – a song that seems just as vague but fun as her campaign promises! The cast did an excellent job of capturing the essence of each candidate, and I can’t wait to see how they continue to poke fun at the political circus throughout the season.

It’s not surprising at all that the 50th season premiere of Saturday Night Live zeroed in on one of the most eagerly awaited happenings – the 2024 presidential election.

On Saturday evening’s opening skit, the latest group of political figures was unveiled. Maya Rudolph portrayed Kamala Harris, Jim Gaffigan took on Tim Walz, Dana Carvey stepped into Joe Biden’s shoes, and Andy Samberg became Douglas Emhoff. James Austin Johnson and Bowen Yang were cast as Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, respectively, in SNL.

The camera then focused on Rudolph’s Harris, as David Muir from ABC News announced they would be updating us on each candidate at their individual rallies on the campaign trail.

Indeed! My lively aunt is back,” Rudolph’s Harris first remarks. “I’m overjoyed to be advocating for any pivotal state, which I’ll casually call Wisconsin-Pennsylvania-Georgia as I aim to safeguard your Virginia and Georgia.

Rudolph’s Harris explains in her speech, ‘My campaign is similar to Sabrina Carpenter’s song ‘Espresso.’ Though the words may be ambiguous, the overall feel is powerful.’

She states, “This election is all about progressing forward,” she notes as she introduces her overly enthusiastic partner. “You understand, Donald Trump is fixated on the past, but much like I tell my husband Doug when he forgets his phone at Chili’s, ‘We are not returning!’

Gaffigan’s Walz subsequently appeared on stage, beaming widely. “I haven’t been this thrilled since I received a 10% discount on a leaf blower at Menards,” he quips. “Allow me to say, I’ve got the B.D.E… Big Paternal Energy. Catch my reference?

I ended up with it, though I wouldn’t have chosen to,” Rudolph’s Harris jokes initially, followed by, “There’s more than one white person here representing Harris today.

Later on, she introduces her spouse, Doug Emhoff, who delivers a firm statement to the Republican Party. “I’ve encountered criticism from the right due to my unwavering support for my wife: ‘He’s weak, just a supporter, a traditional husband.’ Well, if assisting Kamala, whom we affectionately call Mamala in our family, to become president signifies being a supportive spouse, then go ahead and trim my supportive side.

Jean Smart will be the host for the debut episode of NBC’s long-running sketch comedy series, featuring musical performer Jelly Roll as the guest artist.

More to come.

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2024-09-29 07:24