New York's iconic sketch show 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL) kicked off its 50th season this past week with its premiere episode broadcast live from the famed Studio 8H at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. The show's cast brought to life leading political figures, humorously lampooning the upcoming 2024 US presidential election. This launch featured familiar faces like Maya Rudolph and Bowen Yang portraying prominent politicians, reigniting the show's longstanding tradition of using satire to comment on American politics.
The season opener included Rudolph reprising her role as Vice President Kamala Harris, who has previously appeared on SNL during the 2020 election and the following year when she officially took office. The cold open saw Rudolph alongside fellow comedian Jim Gaffigan, who took on the role of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz—portraying him for the first time ever, as Walz has emerged as one of the most favorable characters this election season.
During the episode, Rudolph’s Harris, alongside Gaffigan’s Walz, set the comedic stage for the recently announced Vice Presidential candidate amid Biden’s earlier decision to suspend his own presidential bid. Dana Carvey also returned, parodying President Joe Biden, illustrating the on-going shifts within the Democratic Party. Various actors have donned the role of Biden over the years, from Mikey Day to Jim Carrey, but Carvey's rendition offered both humor and critique on Biden's dropped bid.
Continuing the momentous episode, Bowen Yang entered as Ohio Senator JD Vance, who has been tainted by controversy amid false conspiracy theories during the campaign. The choice to spotlight Vance, particularly after Trump’s endorsement, reflects SNL's commitment to touching on the most divisive political figures of the current time.
Another notable presence was James Austin Johnson, who played former President Donald Trump. SNL has seen various portrayals of Trump over the years—from Alec Baldwin to Taran Killam—each taking on unique angles to present the complex legacy Trump has woven through American politics.
Adding to the rich commentary woven throughout the episode, longtime cast member Kenan Thompson portrayed North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson, amid backlash surrounding Robinson's previously made racially charged comments. This character portrayal brought to life the intersecting controversies surrounding Trump and his associated political figures.
Meanwhile, the entertainment world also saw the announcement of Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong's starring roles in 'The Apprentice', directed by Ali Abbasi. The film will chronicle the early days of Donald Trump's career, focusing on his controversial connection with former attorney Roy Cohn—a relationship marked by ambition and dubious ethics.
Stan, known for his award-nominated role as Tommy Lee on 'Pam & Tommy', plays a young Donald Trump, aiming to represent the nuances of Trump's early traits before they crystallized during his rise to fame. Discussing his immersive preparation to play Trump, Stan emphasized, 'It was a 24/7 immersion process of living with him to some extent.'
Strong jumps onto the screen as Cohn, known for wielding significant influence over Trump's burgeoning business decisions. Cohn—who served as McCarthy's chief counsel during the infamous Army-McCarthy hearings—has left behind both revered and reviled legacies. Strong noted the difficulty of this role, stating, 'His playbook has a tentacular reach.' His insights echo how Cohn's methods have influenced modern-day politics.
Supporting characters include Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump, who seeks to portray her respectably, and Martin Donovan as Fred Trump Sr., demonstrating the heritage of wealth and privilege from which Donald emerged. The film aims to tackle the intrigue behind this influential governing system, painting both characters and momentous events shaping Trump's persona.
The movie, also featuring actors portraying notable figures from Trump’s past, like Roger Stone and mobster Anthony Salerno, will undoubtedly stir conversation as it seeks to dazzle audiences with Trump's early life against the flashy backdrop of New York City.
With SNL humorously dissecting politicians' public images and 'The Apprentice' aiming to shed light on Trump's formative years, both cultural touchstones reflect on the chaotic political fabric of America today. The juxtaposition of straight-faced political impersonations and dramatized interpretations of Trump's rise keeps the nation engaged and reflective as the 2024 elections approach.
Amid the laughter and drama, viewers are left asking how humor and storytelling will continue to shape public perception—making SNL and upcoming movies like The Apprentice more than just entertainment but pivotal players on the political stage.
