Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris and Dana Carvey in Key Role Kick Off Saturday Night Live Season 50 Premiere; Here’s What You Need to Know
The 50th season of Saturday Night Live is finally here! What better way to kick off this milestone than with Maya Rudolph’s energetic and funny return, reprising her role as Kamala Harris. Many familiar faces and SNL veterans made a comeback for the show’s 50th edition, which coincides with the election season.
Rudolph’s return was highly anticipated, with her portrayal of presidential candidate Kamala Harris in the sharp cold open. Jim Gaffigan starred as Kamala’s running mate Tim Walz, a role that was initially declined by Steve Martin. Dana Carvey played President Joe Biden and Andy Samberg portrayed Douglas Emhoff, Harris’ husband.
Dressed as Harris, Rudolph started her monologue with a nod to Harris’ famous quote, saying, “Look who fell out of that coconut tree. Your fun aunt is back.” Her 2020 performance as the Vice President earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series.
Continuing her speech, Rudolph joked, “My campaign is like the Sabrina Carpenter song Espresso. The lyrics are vague but the vibe slaps.”
Current SNL cast member James Austin Johnson played Donald Trump, while Bowen Yang took on the role of J. D. Vance, Trump’s running mate. The biggest surprise of the night was Dana Carvey returning as U.S. President Joe Biden.
In the skit, Rudolph’s Harris welcomed Carvey’s Biden as the final guest, where he quipped, “A lot of people forget I’m president, including me.”
Carvey, who was on SNL from 1986 to 1993, is famous for his portrayal of President George H.W. Bush. In 2011, Carvey made a guest appearance on SNL, but he didn’t return until 2016.
Jean Smart hosted the Season 50 premiere with musical guest Jelly Roll. In her monologue, she joked about finally getting to host the show on a Saturday that worked with her schedule.
The new season of Saturday Night Live began with three new cast members – Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline, following the departure of Punkie Johnson, Molly Kearney, and Chloe Troast. SNL will be back next Saturday with comedian Nate Bargatze as the host and Coldplay as the musical guest.
ALSO READ: Saturday Night Live Season 50: Ariana Grande, Chappell Roan, Jean Smart Among Stars Added To Lineup