Comedian Nate Bargatze returned to host “Saturday Night Live” again, just months after his debut, as part of a promising lineup for Season 50 that includes notable names like Jean Smart, John Mulaney, and Michael Keaton.
While his latest appearance did not match the impact of his previous stint, it still featured some standout moments. Bargatze’s monologue was less polished, and the sketches varied in quality, but his relatable humor remained a good fit for the show. Notable sketches included a sequel to a memorable 2023 scene about George Washington’s weights and measures and a clever parody of “Sábado Gigante,” where Bargatze portrayed an overwhelmed audience member trying to navigate the Spanish dialogue around him. He also starred in a pre-taped sketch about a golf tournament where a competitor accidentally harmed wildlife.
Additionally, Bargatze played an EMT trying to persuade water park staff to let a deceased body slide down instead of carrying it down 255 steps. He also took on the roles of a football coach seeking payment for jerseys and a husband experiencing his wife’s fervent ambition in a messy eating challenge. Coldplay served as the musical guests, performing “All My Love” and “We Pray,” the latter featuring Palestinian singer Elyanna and Argentine singer Tini. A dedication to Kris Kristofferson, who passed away on September 28, appeared before the closing segment.
This week’s cold open revisited a successful formula, featuring guest stars from last week in a skit about the vice presidential debate. Bowen Yang and Jim Gaffigan reprised their roles as Sen. JD Vance and Gov. Tim Walz. Maya Rudolph returned as Vice President Kamala Harris, who was monitoring the debate from home. Amidst the chaos of the debate, Harris witnessed Vance and Walz’s strange camaraderie and a series of blunders that kept the audience engaged.
Dana Carvey’s impression of President Biden once again stole the spotlight, from humorous announcements about declining gas prices to accidentally covering Harris in ice cream. Despite the evolution of the sketches, Carvey’s performance brought a familiar energy to the show.
While Bargatze’s monologue was shorter and lacked a grand finish compared to last year, it still had engaging moments about topics such as community college experiences and an addiction to late-night junk food orders via DoorDash. A humorous anecdote about ordering from two restaurants at once showcased his relatable anxiety, adding a personal touch to his comedy.
In one of the night’s best sketches, Bargatze’s portrayal of George Washington humorously addressed the future of the English language while navigating through absurdities like the origins of hot dogs, further blurring the lines between humor and historical commentary.
Another highlight was the “Sábado Gigante” sketch, where Bargatze portrayed an audience member immersed in chaotic game-show antics. The commitment to the absurdity of the sketch resonated well with viewers, maintaining its freshness.
Finally, a late-night digital short titled “Sushi Glory Hole” garnered attention online, featuring Lonely Island’s Samberg and Akiva Schaffer promoting a risqué concept involving sushi delivery through a bathroom wall, pushing boundaries while aiming for comedic shock value. The element of surprise and catchy premise could propel it into viral status.