SNL Alumni Return To Skewer White House Race

The New York Times reports:

“Saturday Night Live” dug deep into its contact list of celebrity alumni and friends in the comedy world as it kicked off its 50th season with an opening sketch that featured Maya Rudolph’s anticipated return as Vice President Kamala Harris.

The sketch, for which the cast member James Austin Johnson returned in his recurring role as former President Donald Trump, also saw the debuts of the comedian Jim Gaffigan as Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota and Bowen Yang, another “S.N.L.” performer, as Senator JD Vance of Ohio.

And for good measure, the segment included appearances from “S.N.L.” alums Andy Samberg as Douglas Emhoff, the Second Gentleman, and Dana Carvey as President Joe Biden.

Vanity Fair reports:

We’ve known since July 21 that Maya Rudolph would return to Saturday Night Live this year to play Kamala Harris. However unnerving this political season might get—these 36 remaining days of nail-biting hell—we could at least be able to count on her to deliver.

Indeed, the 50th season premiere of SNL cut right to the chase, beginning with the welcome sight of Rudolph’s silk press and flag lapel pin.

“I’m going to protect your Va-Georgia,” her Harris promised a rally audience. “We can end the dramala. End the traumala. And go relax in our pajamalas.”

“Wisconsapensylvageorgia!”