James Talarico disrupts SNL cold open to question format
The newly elected Texas senator interrupted a skit featuring James Austin Johnson as Donald Trump to ask how many times the show would feature the recurring gag.
By Priya Marino ·
James Talarico, the newly elected Texas senator, interrupted the cold open of Saturday Night Live on Saturday to address the show's recurring gag involving the president.
The episode marked the first broadcast since the midterm elections. Sarah Sherman portrayed Chuck Schumer, while Kenan Thompson played Hakeem Jeffries. The characters celebrated the election results, a move the writers framed as a refusal to acknowledge that younger Democrats might be ready to lead.
The skit then shifted to a character played by James Austin Johnson, who portrayed Donald Trump. The character froze the frame to comment on the political shift. He stated that Democrats would not have won without the economic conditions and ongoing war. He quoted Moana to say, "You're welcome." The character later claimed the era of Trump was over, prompting a brief appearance by a character representing J.D. Vance. The Vance character declared his own era had begun. Trump responded by asking who that was.
Talarico appeared on stage near the end of the segment to applause from the studio audience. He introduced himself as the person who had been texting the show daily asking for five dollars. The character of Trump replied that in the current economy, such behavior was understandable. Talarico said he believed they could work together to improve life for everyday Americans. He stated that people wanted something new and different, specifically regarding the show's cold opens. He asked how many of these Trump freezers the show planned to produce.
Trump responded with the word, "Infinity!" The character then discussed his plans for the next two years, focusing on a ballroom with a large beam and marble. He expressed frustration about working with millennials. He referenced the television show New Girl, discussing the character Winston and his cat.
Colin Jost appeared as Pete Hegseth. The character questioned if an election would stop him and stated he lives a YOLO lifestyle. He said he would keep losing for the president unless Congress impeached him. He mentioned needing to weigh female soldiers before exiting.
The episode was hosted by Druski, whose real name is Drew Desbordes. He became the first online content creator to host the sketch show. The musical guest was The Strokes. The Halloween episode hosted by Inde Navarrette had the season's highest viewership with 5.2 million. John Mulaney will host the November 14 episode, with Phoebe Bridgers providing the music.
