Vice President Kamala Harris is set to make a surprise appearance on this week's episode of Saturday Night Live, according to exclusive sources for The Post. Citing tight-lipped insiders, it has been revealed Harris is expected to join the show during its traditional cold open segment, which often focuses on political commentary. The buzz around Harris's involvement is palpable, especially with the presidential election just around the corner, heightening the stakes for her appearance.
"It’s all been hush-hush," the insider noted on Saturday afternoon, referencing the final build-up to Tuesday’s pivotal election. The source also playfully added, "The Secret Service is here," indicating the heightened security measures surrounding the Vice President's participation. Neither representatives for Harris nor the SNL team had responded to The Post's request for comments at the time of reporting.
This week's episode, hosted by SNL alum John Mulaney, will also feature former vice presidential candidate Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), who is currently campaigning for his third term against Republican contender Hung Cao. These appearances are noteworthy, particularly since they occur just before significant voting events.
The upcoming show promises to be packed with familiar faces, as it will also include controversial former cast member Pete Davidson. "I don’t think the Secret Service is here for him," joked the source, drawing attention to Davidson's towering presence amid political figures as he made his way back to the iconic stage.
On the campaign trail, Harris made appearances at various events, such as her stop at the Atlanta Civic Center and subsequent rally in Charlotte, North Carolina. Meanwhile, competitor Donald Trump addressed around 20,000 supporters earlier the same day, rallying them before heading to another event in Milwaukee.
Harris’s turn on SNL is not unprecedented. The show has long been known for lampooning political figures, with celebrities like Maya Rudolph famously portraying Harris during the current election season’s prior episodes. This aligns with the show's long history of blending politics with entertainment, providing both satire and commentary on the political climate.
Historically, many politicians have graced the SNL stage. This includes appearances by Trump, who not only hosted the show but was also parodied extensively during and after his presidency; Barack Obama; Bernie Sanders; and several others. These moments have often shifted public perception and added layers to the political discourse, demonstrating the power of comedy to influence contemporary issues.
Meanwhile, Mulaney is no stranger to SNL, having originated from its ranks and solidifying his comedic persona there. His return is highly anticipated, especially with such high-profile guests at his side, which promises fireworks this Saturday night.
This week’s musical guest will be singer Chappell Roan, adding another layer of entertainment to the politically charged atmosphere.
Of note, this isn't the first time actors with roots on SNL have found themselves linked to holiday classics. Looking back, the beloved film Home Alone almost featured another potential SNL star, Chris Farley, who auditioned for the role of Santa Claus but missed his chance due to off-stage antics. Director Chris Columbus recounted how Farley, known for his spontaneous style, showed up to his audition less than ready, succeeding only after several years on the sketch show.
Interestingly, the role of Santa eventually went to Ken Hudson Campbell, who recalled sharing the audition day with Farley. Comparing themselves, Campbell remembered Farley’s state upon his arrival: he felt he had fulfilled his own expectations, but time would soon lift Campbell's career to greater heights with various roles thereafter.
Reflecting on this storyline, it's clear Farley's eventual success with SNL stemmed not just from his comedic talent, but also from the relationships he built along the way. His character could have altered the classic charm of the acclaimed holiday movie Elf, which would later star Will Ferrell—a drastically different tone than what might have been brought forth with Farley. Screenwriter David Berenbaum once acknowledged the studio's efforts to pivot the film's creative direction around Farley, showcasing how interconnected Hollywood narratives often arise from these casting decisions.
With the blend of politics and comedy making waves this season on SNL, audiences can expect not only laughter but also potent commentary as these dynamic figures appear together. Engagements like Harris’s and Kaine’s serve to remind us of the enduring relationship between political figures and the entertainment industry, as they push societal discussions through humor and satire.
