As Saturday Night Live (SNL) launched its monumental 50th season, it set the tone for a memorable anniversary with host Jean Smart and musical guest Jelly Roll. From nostalgic callbacks to an array of surprise guests, the episode had everything fans could ask for. Maya Rudolph’s return as Kamala Harris and Dana Carvey’s portrayal of President Biden brought moments of comedic nostalgia, while Jelly Roll’s heartfelt performances added a musical touch. Though the political cold open missed some marks, the episode offered a good mix of humor, pop culture references, and poignant sketches, including a memorable take on “The $100,000 Pyramid.”
The Importance of Season 50
SNL’s 50th season holds a special place not only in comedy but in television history. Since its debut in 1975, SNL has remained a cultural barometer, offering witty, often biting commentary on politics, pop culture, and society. It has evolved over time, introducing new comedic talent, and pushing boundaries. Reaching this milestone underscores the show’s unparalleled ability to resonate with audiences across generations, cementing its status as a comedy institution.
An Iconic Host: Jean Smart
Jean Smart, fresh off her third Emmy win for Hacks, proved to be an impeccable choice to helm the premiere. Her monologue was both charming and humorous, blending nostalgia with lighthearted commentary about her journey in entertainment. Smart’s wide-ranging comedic abilities were on display throughout the night, whether in sketches that touched on her iconic roles or moments where she embraced newer, unexpected roles.
A Stellar Cold Open – Almost
The cold open, a staple of SNL episodes, featured a political satire with a twist. Maya Rudolph returned as Vice President Kamala Harris, joined by Jim Gaffigan as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The episode also featured Andy Samberg reprising his role as Doug Emhoff. Meanwhile, James Austin Johnson’s portrayal of Donald Trump offered a blend of humor and sharp political jabs, although some parts of the sketch fell flat, especially with the reappearance of Dana Carvey’s Joe Biden, which felt slightly out of place despite the nostalgic throwback.
The cold open, however, serves as a reflection of SNL’s challenges in balancing political humor with satire that lands effectively across its diverse audience. It’s a dance the show has mastered over the years, though in this instance, the nostalgia-heavy political sketch may not have hit the target as powerfully as hoped. That being said, the audience appreciated the star power, and there were still humorous moments in the mix.
Maya Rudolph returns as Kamala Harris for SNL’s Season 50 premiere. pic.twitter.com/m6gv4pdMO5
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) September 29, 2024
Surprise Guests and SNL Alumni
SNL’s 50th season was marked not just by Smart and Jelly Roll, but also by the appearance of several familiar faces. The return of Maya Rudolph and Dana Carvey provided a sense of continuity, reminding viewers of the rich legacy of SNL’s alumni. These veterans, known for their groundbreaking comedic styles, brought both familiarity and novelty to the night. Andy Samberg, famous for his time on SNL and his Lonely Island digital shorts, added his signature energy to the episode, delighting fans with his dynamic presence.
Jelly Roll’s Emotional Performance
Musical guest Jelly Roll’s performance was a highlight, delivering raw and emotional renditions of “Liar” and “Winning Streak.” His appearance marked a departure from the usual pop or hip-hop acts, as the country-rock artist inspired the night with raw emotion. Jelly Roll has become a symbol of transformation and redemption, and his heartfelt performance added depth to the episode. SNL is often a stage for artists to showcase different sides of their talents, and Jelly Roll certainly made his mark.
Reviving Classic Sketches with a Modern Twist
Throughout the evening, SNL balanced classic comedy with contemporary twists, most notably in the skit “I Love Lucy.” Smart’s portrayal of a dramatic actress who was cast in Lucille Ball’s role before the show shifted to the comedic genius we know today brought laughs and a reminder of how pivotal casting is in creating television history. Though the skit itself may not have been groundbreaking, it was a fun nod to both Smart’s acting chops and SNL’s capacity for blending history with humor.
Other sketches during the evening tapped into current pop culture. The “$100,000 Pyramid” sketch featured Marcello Hernandez as Bad Bunny, paired with Kenan Thompson portraying a controversial North Carolina politician, allowing for some sharp political satire. Devon Walker’s portrayal of New York City Mayor Eric Adams during the Weekend Update segment provided another moment of contemporary humor, reflecting SNL’s continued efforts to stay culturally and politically relevant.
A Long-Awaited Anniversary
Season 50 has been long-awaited, with fans and former cast members speculating about potential guests and hosts throughout the season. The return of former cast members like Samberg and Carvey is a reminder of SNL’s enduring influence on American comedy. Several former cast members, including Taran Killam and Alex Moffat, have expressed their excitement for this historic season, sharing fond memories and hoping for a parade of stars to grace the SNL stage once again.
Jean Smart’s Legacy and Nostalgia
As fans continue to celebrate SNL’s enduring legacy, Jean Smart’s appearance was especially poignant. Known for her diverse range of roles in both comedy and drama, Smart’s career has flourished over the past few decades. Whether it’s her Emmy-winning performance in Hacks or her iconic role in Designing Women, Smart’s contributions to television have been significant, making her the perfect host for such a monumental episode. Her long-time fans were surely thrilled to see her take on the SNL stage for the first time.
Looking Ahead: SNL’s Place in Television History
As SNL forges ahead with its 50th season, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation for what’s to come. While the premiere episode highlighted the show’s signature mix of humor, nostalgia, and musical performances, it’s clear that SNL is still evolving. Fans can expect a season filled with guest stars, timely satire, and perhaps even some groundbreaking new talent. What remains consistent is SNL’s ability to provide a comedic reflection of the times, offering audiences a place to laugh, think, and engage with current events.
Charli XCX 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘴 politics #SNLPremiere pic.twitter.com/XG4kQCtOXT
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) September 29, 2024
A Reflection on the Show’s Evolution
Since its inception, Saturday Night Live has been a barometer for American pop culture and politics. As the show embarks on its 50th season, it continues to push boundaries and reflect the rapidly shifting media landscape. Whether it’s through biting political satire or commentary on societal trends, SNL remains at the forefront of live sketch comedy.
The season 50 premiere of SNL was a reflection of its rich history, bringing together legendary figures from its past and balancing it with new stars and musical acts. Though some sketches may have missed the mark, the episode as a whole set a high bar for what promises to be a celebratory and groundbreaking season.
Conclusion: The Future of Saturday Night Live
As Saturday Night Live continues into its 50th season, the legacy it has built over five decades remains unparalleled in television history. The premiere episode, filled with star power, emotional musical performances, and moments of nostalgia, set the stage for what promises to be a landmark season. With hosts like Jean Smart and a talented ensemble cast, SNL is once again ready to reflect the humor, politics, and cultural shifts of our time, just as it has done for the last half-century. Fans and critics alike eagerly await what comes next from this comedic institution.
