TV

‘SNL’ recap: Best moments from John Mulaney hosting ‘Saturday Night Live’

"SNL" returned for the fifth episode of its 50th season on Nov. 2 with host John Mulaney, musical guest Chappell Roan, and a guest appearance from Vice President Kamala Harris.

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris appears on NBC's "Saturday Night Live," with Maya Rudolph, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 in New York.
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris appears on NBC's "Saturday Night Live," with Maya Rudolph, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 in New York. Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo

“SNL” returned to the air for the fifth episode of its 50th season on Nov. 3 with John Mulaney as host, Chappell Roan as musical guest, and a surprise appearance from Vice President Kamala Harris in the show’s political cold open.

With only days before the 2024 presidential election, Harris came face to face with the woman who has portrayed her on “Saturday Night Live” for the past couple of seasons, Maya Rudolph.

Rudolph jokingly told Harris she was “gonna vote for us” on Tuesday.

“Great!” Harris responded. “Any chance you are registered in Pennsylvania?”

The episode also gave space for some of the guest stars that have frequently appeared in the political cold opens in 2024 to say farewell. Throughout Season 50, Rudolph, Andy Samberg (as Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff), Dana Carvey (playing Joe Biden) and Jim Gaffigan (playing Tim Walz) have made regular appearances alongside cast members James Austin Johnson (as Donald Trump) and Bowen Yang (as JD Vance).

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With Mulaney serving as host for a sixth time, the Nov. 2 episode of “SNL” was stuffed with callbacks to some of the former “SNL” writer’s favorite sketches from years past. There was a sequel to “What’s That Name,” a NASA sketch featuring a monkey in space, and another New York City musical, with Pete Davidson trying to buy a gallon of milk at the Port Authority Duane Reade inspiring songs in the style of “The Lion King,” “Les Miserables,” “Hamilton,” and more.

Check out the videos below to see highlights from the latest episode of “SNL,” including Mulaney’s very on-brand opening monologue, Chappell Roan performing her new song “The Giver” live, and all of the guests visiting Colin Jost and Michael Che at the “Weekend Update” desk.

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Editor’s Note: Video of Chappell Roan performing her new song “The Giver” was uploaded and then later deleted from the “SNL” YouTube channel at around 9 a.m. on Sunday. We will re-embed the video if and when it is made available.

“Saturday Night Live” Cold Open

John Mulaney Stand-Up Monologue

“SNL Weekend Update” clips

Chappell Roan performances

Some of the best sketches

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Kevin Slane

Staff Writer

Kevin Slane is a staff writer for Boston.com covering entertainment and culture. His work focuses on movie reviews, streaming guides, celebrities, and things to do in Boston.

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