‘SNL’ is back with Jim Gaffigan as Tim Walz, Dana Carvey as President Biden
“Saturday Night Live” has returned to cover the 2024 presidential campaign with a wave of fresh impersonations.
The NBC sketch series launched its 50th season on Saturday with a lively opening sketch featuring Jim Gaffigan taking on the role of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Andy Samberg as Douglas Emhoff, and Dana Carvey as President Joe Biden.
Maya Rudolph reprised her role as Vice President Kamala Harris, who was depicted hosting a campaign rally in a key swing state. The show had a lot to address, especially since Harris was named the Democratic presidential nominee during the “SNL” break following Biden’s withdrawal from the race.
“Well, well, well,” Rudolph’s Harris exclaimed. “Look who fell out of that coconut tree.”
She elaborated, “My campaign is akin to the song ‘Espresso’ by Sabrina Carpenter. The lyrics may be unclear, but the energy is fantastic.”
Gaffigan soon appeared as Walz, revealing his identity as Harris’ running mate on the show, following the decision of Steve Martin to not take the role. “Folks, I haven’t felt this thrilled since I got a 10% discount on a leaf blower from Menards!” he declared. “What can I say? I’m radiating that BDE: Big Dad Energy.”
“When Kamala Harris reached out to me to be her vice president, I couldn’t say no!” he added. “This matters to me on a personal level. I love this country, and as a former teacher, I need the income. This suit is from Costco!”
Another familiar face joined in shortly after: Samberg, a former “SNL” cast member, made his debut as Emhoff, describing himself as “Charlie Brown as a grown-up.” He expressed pride in being “part of the illustrious group of presidential spouses throughout history, both women and men – but mostly women – who have stood by the president’s side,” and added, “I can’t wait to decorate the White House for Christmas. The theme will be Hanukkah!”
The sketch then transitioned to a rally with former President Donald Trump, portrayed by James Austin Johnson, who introduced his running mate: Senator JD Vance, played by “SNL” member Bowen Yang. “People say he was a poor choice, and in many respects, he was,” Johnson’s Trump remarked about Vance.
Once at the podium, Yang’s Vance recalled, “Trump told me, ‘JD, you’re like a son to me because I don’t like you and I’m stuck with you.’
The scene then shifted back to Harris’ rally as yet another star took the stage: “SNL” alum Dana Carvey, portraying President Joe Biden. “A lot of people forget that I’m president, including myself,” he joked, also poking fun at Biden’s habit of saying “by the way” and “no joke.” When Rudolph’s Harris mispronounced Biden’s name and thanked him for stepping out of the race, he replied, “I didn’t want to! You made me!”
Jean Smart hosts ‘SNL’ premiere, shares jokes about her new Emmy for ‘Hacks’
“Hacks” star Jean Smart hosted the “SNL” season premiere just after winning another Emmy for best lead actress in a comedy series. “It’s been days since I’ve been all dressed up and had hundreds of people applaud me,” she joked. Smart also performed a song about her love for New York and quipped about seeing Mayor (Eric) Adams in the news without reading it, guessing it must be for something positive.
“SNL” is set to return next week with host Nate Bargatze and musical guest Coldplay.