Saturday Night Live kicked off its latest episode with a hilariously over-the-top cold open featuring a mock New York City mayoral debate that was unexpectedly interrupted by former President Donald Trump.
The night’s host, Miles Teller, took on the role of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. In a comedic twist, Teller’s Cuomo introduced himself as a “born, bred New Yorker” who claimed to know the city “like the back of a woman’s back.” Special guest Ramy Youssef appeared as Zohran Mamdani, joking about the mispronunciations of his name by his opponents. He added a humorous touch by acknowledging that some audience members might feel uneasy about a “young socialist Muslim mayor” and smiled awkwardly after each answer to lighten the mood.
Shane Gillis portrayed Curtis Sliwa, leading the comedic trio into a series of light-hearted discussions. The faux candidates humorously tackled questions about why they would want to take on the “worst job in the world,” their favorite bagel orders, and their strategies for appealing to undecided voters.
As the debate progressed, James Austin Johnson stepped into character as Trump, who made a dramatic entrance when asked what the “biggest problem” a new mayor would face would be. Johnson’s Trump humorously declared, “It’s me!” and emphasized that the election was really about him, despite discussions around housing and taxes. He humorously claimed he would be “very involved, very hands-on,” referencing his leadership style.
Johnson’s portrayal of Trump included a cheeky response about hailing from New York and joking about his fast-food preferences, quipping that his favorite bagel order is a “Big Mac with a hole in the middle.” He wrapped up the segment with a comical rendition of a classic song, comparing himself to the Phantom of the Opera, drawing laughs with his theatrics.
During his opening monologue, Teller reflected on his personal challenges, revealing that earlier this year, he and his wife lost their home in the Los Angeles wildfires. “A lot has happened since the last time I hosted SNL,” he remarked while reassuring viewers of their well-being and expressing gratitude for having many places to call home.
In a later pre-taped sketch, Teller impersonated Jonathan and Drew Scott from the Property Brothers, embarking on a fictional renovation of the White House’s East Wing. The comedic sketch poked fun at Donald and Melania Trump’s return to the White House, where costs for the renovation were humorously inflated between “$350 million and infinity,” with lighthearted discussions about upcoming holidays.
Miles Teller’s appearance marks his second time hosting SNL. He was joined by musician Brandi Carlile, and the episode continues to showcase Teller’s versatility and charm. The upcoming episodes promise continued excitement, with Nikki Glaser and Glen Powell slated to host in the coming weeks, along with musical guests Sombr and Olivia Dean.