UPDATE: In a high-energy episode of “Saturday Night Live” aired on October 14, 2023, former cast member Amy Poehler returned to portray a combative Pam Bondi, the attorney general, as tensions escalate in U.S. politics. This comes on the heels of Bondi’s contentious hearing with Democrats earlier this week, fueling national conversations about the deployment of National Guard troops.
Poehler’s portrayal was both confrontational and comedic, directly addressing the audience with biting humor, stating, “Before I don’t answer, I’d like to insult you personally.” The audience response was immediate, showcasing the urgency of the political climate in the U.S.
Adding to the excitement, fellow alum Tina Fey made a surprise appearance as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Fey, wielding a prop assault-style rifle, delivered a satirical recruitment pitch for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), asking provocative questions like, “Do you need a job now?” and “Do you take supplements that you bought at a gas station?” Her character’s punchline, “Welcome to ICE,” drew laughter and applause, exemplifying the show’s mix of humor and social commentary.
This episode marked Poehler’s third time hosting, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of “Saturday Night Live,” which first premiered on October 11, 1975. Poehler expressed her gratitude, recalling her early dreams of acting: “It’s always a dream come true to be here. I remember watching the show in the ’70s, thinking: ‘I want to be an actress someday.'”
In a heartfelt moment, she encouraged viewers feeling overwhelmed by current events to cherish laughter and friendship, stating, “If there’s a place that feels like home… consider yourself lucky.” She humorously addressed the rise of artificial intelligence, saying, “To that little AI robot… you’ll never be able to write a joke, you stupid robot!”
The episode also featured a quirky skit with Aubrey Plaza, who parodied a Netflix series in a sketch dubbed “the straight but lesbian horny Republican murder drama.” Plaza’s character faced an unexpected and humorous turn when her revelation of having a girlfriend led to fellow characters brandishing weapons, amplifying the comedic tension.
As the show wrapped up, a special tribute to the late Diane Keaton was aired, honoring the Oscar-winning actress who passed away at the age of 79, as confirmed by her daughter earlier the same day.
The musical guest for the evening was Role Model, who performed “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out,” featuring a special appearance by Charli XCX.
Looking ahead, Sabrina Carpenter is set to host and perform in next week’s episode of “SNL.” The program airs on NBC, part of NBCUniversal, which also oversees NBC News.
With political satire hitting close to home and powerful performances, this episode of “SNL” not only entertained but also sparked crucial conversations about current political issues, making it a must-share moment for audiences everywhere.