This past weekend’s episode of “Saturday Night Live” was full of surprises and laughter. The biggest news was Vice President Kamala Harris making an appearance in the cold open alongside Maya Rudolph, who portrays her on the show. The sketch aimed to “stop the dramala” and provided plenty of humor for viewers.
Musical guest Chappell Roan also delivered a great performance, singing her hit song “Pink Pony Club” and debuting a surprise country song titled “The Giver.” The episode also featured a game-show sketch with 2016 vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine, played by himself, and hosted by John Mulaney.
Mulaney, who hosted a Netflix show earlier this year and will have a new show on the streaming platform in 2025, did a fantastic job hosting the episode. He kept the energy up with various sketches, including one where he plays a ground control officer helping a chimp astronaut return to Earth.
Another highlight of the episode was a sketch about Little Richard appearing too many times in a 1990s sitcom, as well as Mulaney playing a real-life New York City Council candidate with a problematic name. Overall, Mulaney’s hosting was considered one of the best of the season so far.
The closing moments of the show paid tribute to actor Teri Garr, who passed away recently. Maya Rudolph’s portrayal of Kamala Harris in the cold open was a standout moment, as she finally met the real Harris face-to-face. The sketch included appearances from former President Trump, J.D. Vance, Jim Gaffigan, Andy Samberg, and Dana Carvey.
Mulaney’s monologue was quick-paced and humorous, focusing on his recent family life changes and avoiding any mention of the upcoming election. One of the best sketches of the night involved Mulaney trying to bring Beppo, America’s first chimp in space, back home safely. The sketch took dark and absurd turns but was ultimately triumphant.
There was also the return of the popular Duane Reade musical sketch, featuring former cast member Pete Davidson and a hilarious performance by Samberg. The episode also included a segment on “Weekend Update” featuring Heidi Gardner’s impression of Reba McEntire, which was strange and entertaining.
Overall, the episode was filled with laughter, surprises, and great performances. “Saturday Night Live” continues to deliver quality entertainment for its viewers, making it a must-watch show every weekend.
