Trump's Cold Open: Jokes Amid Chaos
In a week marked by political turmoil, it was fitting that Saturday Night Live chose to inject humor into the chaos. Opening with a sketch that parodied a recent incident where President Trump appeared oblivious while a man collapsed in the Oval Office, the show set the comedic tone for the night. James Austin Johnson's portrayal of Trump was not just comedic; it underscored a chilling reality where the president could sidestep crises, presenting a vivid image of societal indifference.
Nikki Glaser's Comedic Brilliance
Nikki Glaser brought her unique flair to hosting duties, delighting audiences with her sharp, humorous observations. She joked about her time in New York, humorously dubbing it “Epstein's original island,” and threw in clever jabs at societal norms, using her personal experiences to highlight broader cultural issues. Her commentary on spray tans, for instance, was an audacious nod to Trump, encapsulating her understanding of how appearances can sway public perception. “I'm like, bitch, that's why he won,” she remarked, humorously reflecting on the absurdity of perceptions in politics.
Nikki Glaser, renowned for her roast comedy, has a knack for weaving personal anecdotes into broader cultural critiques.
A Glimpse into the Oval Office
The cold open sketch brilliantly recreated the Oval Office, featuring a faux Eli Lilly executive played by Mikey Day, alongside a motley cast that included Marcello Hernández and Andrew Dismukes as various health officials. As the scene unfolded, a character, Jeremy Culhane, pretended to collapse, illustrating how the chaos of the real-world event had somehow slipped into the comedic narrative. Johnson's Trump merely stood, staring at the camera with chilling indifference, making it hard not to draw parallels to real-life events.
The Weekend Update: Sharp Wit and Real Issues
As always, the Weekend Update served as a highlight reel of razor-sharp wit. Colin Jost and Michael Che built on the night's earlier themes, with Jost quipping about Trump's demeanor during the incident, suggesting that whatever pharmaceuticals he was on should be shared with everyone.
“Just look how chill he is during all of this,” Jost said, flipping the absurdity into a meme-worthy moment. Their commentary, while playful, reflected genuinely pressing issues, keeping the audience both laughing and critically engaged.
Surprise Guest: Pete Davidson
In a delightful turn of events, former cast member Pete Davidson made an unexpected appearance on Weekend Update. Sharing updates about the Staten Island ferry he co-owns with Colin Jost, Davidson's humor about their financial woes added to the light-hearted yet poignant commentary of the night. By referencing his impending fatherhood, he struck a chord that reminded us of the personal stakes involved amid political farce.
Davidson's blend of personal revelations and humor brought a refreshing authenticity to the episode.
Conclusion: Laughing in the Face of Reality
This week's S.N.L. managed to do what it does best: it turned the chaos of current events into a stage for laughter, forcing us to reflect while we chuckle. In an age where headlines often read like punchlines, the show doesn't just entertain—it challenges us to think critically about our world and the absurdity that permeates it. Glaser, Johnson, Jost, and Che represent a lineage of comedians who wield humor as a weapon against indifference, daring us to acknowledge the uncomfortable truths hiding behind the laughter.
Source reference: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/09/arts/television/snl-trump-sidesteps-unconscious-man.html
