Saturday Night Live kicked off its monumental 50th season with considerable fanfare on Saturday night. The episode, hosted by actress Jean Smart, featured musical guest Jelly Roll and was peppered with surprise cameos from various alumni, adding to the excitement of the historic premiere.
Fans familiar with SNL know it as more than just another sketch comedy show; it’s been a cultural touchstone since its debut back in 1975. It arrived during times of tumultuous change and has since navigated nearly six decades of political upheavals and social conversations through its sketches and satire. With more than 900 episodes to its name, the show has established itself as not only entertainment but also as a reflection of American life.
Smart, renowned for her roles in Hacks and Designing Women, was praised for setting just the right tone for this season. Many wondered how SNL would address the upcoming 2024 presidential election—a significant backdrop against which this season is framed. Given the gravity of the political moment, audience anticipation was high. "Nothing beats when SNL is firing on all cylinders," critics said, and this premiere was no exception to the norm alluded.
Throughout its span, SNL has seen countless cast members, hosts, and musical guests, shaping its legacy. Ahead of the premiere, various alumni expressed their excitement about this landmark season. Notably, former cast member Alex Moffat shared his wish to see Eddie Murphy return as host, referring to his childhood love of Murphy's work on the show. "It's going to be cool to see the cavalcade of stars for the 50th," he said.
Taran Killam, another SNL alumnus, chimed in with similar enthusiasm. He reflected on how special the initial episodes featuring beloved hosts were, stating, "Some of my favorite hosts I worked with are the core of what made SNL so special. It's miraculous to think it’s been going for 50 years!" Denny Dillon, who was part of the cast during the sixth season, echoed the wonderment about this anniversary, reminiscing about her early days on the show as she recalled her experiences meeting the original cast.
This season's kickoff episode featured several sketches, starting with the cold open. This segment included Andrew Dismukes portraying ABC’s David Muir, presenting coverage on the political rallies of this upcoming election season. Mya Rudolph made her return as Vice President Kamala Harris, infusing the scene with her trademark humor. She humorously announced her running mate, Tim Walz, played by Jim Gaffigan, to the audience's amusement.
The show moved quickly through its schedule, and viewers saw New York's own Andy Samberg return, playing Doug Emhoff—this addition was welcomed by fans who appreciated his presence on such auspicious occasion. James Austin Johnson's take on former President Trump added to the blend of parody and political commentary, showcasing the cast’s comfort with handling sensitive topics laced with comedy.
SNL's format, which has always blended music, performances, and sketches, kept viewers engaged. The show’s Weekend Update segment, another highlight of every SNL episode, showcased Bowen Yang's character Moo Deng, representing the two-month-old pygmy hippo who delivered hilariously relatable comments on the burden of fame mixed with moments of social commentary. Yang's performance drew laughter as he solidified his place as one of the standout stars of this season. "I’m your favorite hippo’s favorite hippo," he cheekily stated, drawing parallels to recent discussions surrounding celebrities and their interactions with the public.
The segment built on the buzz around pop star Chappell Roan, who recently made headlines speaking out against problematic fan behavior, underlining how the pressures of fame often intersect with personal boundaries. Yang—channeling Moo Deng—mirrored her sentiments stating, "Women owe you nothing" and encouraging fans to respect personal space. This seamless blend of humor and genuine commentary left viewers entertained and thoughtful.
The Weekend Update wasn’t just limited to Yang's clever musings. The show’s team took aim at relevant cultural subjects and conversations, remaining true to the SNL tradition of addressing pressing issues through satire. The juxtaposition of light-hearted humor with meaningful commentary has always attracted fans, securing the show's position as both humorous and relevant.
Besides the sketches and musical performances, the returning stars and guest appearances added rich layers to the night. The blend of newcomers with established veterans showcased the essence of SNL as it continues to innovate and reflect the ever-changing comedic tastes and societal values. The choice of Jelly Roll as the musical guest reinforced the show's commitment to highlighting contemporary artists on its stage.
With this season being so pivotal not just for SNL but also for the political climate of the U.S., the premiere drew throngs of viewers eager to see how the show would balance comedy and commentary as the election looms. The show's legacy of addressing the zeitgeist through its satire is what keeps SNL relevant across decades.
Overall, the season premiere not only celebrated past successes but also looked forward, bringing anticipation for the upcoming weeks. Lorne Michaels’ vision has undeniably shaped SNL, crafting it as not just a show but as part of America's cultural fabric. With plenty more episodes scheduled, fans can look forward to another season filled with laughs, surprises, and perhaps even moments of poignant reflection as the show continues its evolution.
This iconic institution remains poised to combine its historical comedic roots with the fresh perspectives of its newest cast members, establishing yet another chapter of laughter and conversation at 30 Rock.
