Comedian Nate Bargatze returned to host “Saturday Night Live” less than a year after his debut, joining an impressive lineup for Season 50 that includes Jean Smart, John Mulaney, and Michael Keaton. This time, however, his performance didn’t quite match the acclaim of his first hosting gig. The monologue felt more disjointed compared to the previous year, and the overall quality of sketches varied. Nonetheless, Bargatze’s relatable persona resonated well with the audience.
In the sketches, he showcased his comedic talents, including a sequel to last season’s popular George Washington weights and measurements segment and a humorous “Sábado Gigante” parody. In one standout pre-taped sketch, he portrayed a golfer who accidentally harms wildlife during a tournament. Another sketch featured him as an EMT trying to convince water park staff to let a deceased body slide down a ride instead of carrying it down numerous steps. He also played a coach advocating for payment for jerseys and the husband of a woman determined to win a messy food challenge.
Musical guests Coldplay performed their songs “All My Love” and “We Pray,” the latter featuring Palestinian singer Elyanna and Argentine singer Tini. A tribute card before the show concluded honored the late Kris Kristofferson, who passed away at 88.
Bargatze’s cold open revisited last week’s themes with returning guest stars, spoofing the vice presidential debate. Bowen Yang and Jim Gaffigan reprised their roles as Senator J.D. Vance and Governor Tim Walz on stage, while Vice President Kamala Harris (Maya Rudolph) and Doug Emhoff (Andy Samberg) watched from home, disrupted by a confused President Biden portrayed by Dana Carvey.
In this week’s debate, Harris celebrated significant endorsements but was soon dismayed by Walz’s mistakes and his unexpected camaraderie with Vance. At one point, both contestants attempted to reach out to each other across the debate stage, creating a humorous moment. Meanwhile, Carvey’s Biden impersonation remained a highlight, featuring absurd announcements and physical comedy.
Bargatze’s monologue, while shorter and lacking a strong conclusion, still delivered some memorable lines as he shared his experiences with community college and his late-night food cravings. He vividly described feeling overwhelmed when two delivery drivers arrive at the same time and reflected on the quirks of extra virgin olive oil.
Among the highlights of the night was a sketch in which George Washington, played by Bargatze, humorously discussed the future of the English language while dismissing serious inquiries from a soldier. Additionally, the “Sábado Gigante” sketch had Bargatze navigating a series of chaotic segments, capturing the essence of the iconic show.
Lastly, a digital short featuring Lonely Island’s Samberg and Akiva Schaffer titled “Sushi Glory Hole” pushed the boundaries of humor and was expected to become a viral sensation. The absurd concept of a bathroom hole that serves sushi intrigued viewers, marking a memorable moment in the episode.