As the fallout from Donald Trump’s clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to stun the world, “Saturday Night Live” gave its own spin on the global disaster. “SNL” opened this weekend’s show — its first since the “SNL50” special — by featuring Trump (played as usual by James Austin Johnson) and vice president JD Vance (Bowen Yang) chastising Zelenskyy (Mikey Day).
But then came unelected DOGE master Elon Musk, as played by “SNL” alum Mike Myers.
The sketch opened with a tongue-in-cheek voice over: “Yesterday, President Trump hosted Ukrainian president Zelenskyy at the White House, and it went really, really well. Everyone who watched felt at ease and thought the world is now a safer place. Here now is a replay of their historic press conference.”
As “Trump” opened: “It is I, president and CEO of Gaza Hotel and Casino, Donald Trump, and I’d like to welcome President Zelenskyy here to this incredible trap. It’s going to be a big, beautiful trap, and we’re going to attack him very soon for no reason, right?
“And Marco Rubio is here too. Little Marco. Little Marco, you excited to attack our European ally knowing less before we get started, I’d like to thank President Zelenskyy for dressing like casual ‘Star Trek.’ We love ‘Star Trek’ because there’s no DEI. The white guy was the leader, and he bossed around Spock, who I believe was Guatemalan. We love that, President Zelenskyy, you want to say a few words? Maybe tell Mr. Putin how much you love him and that you’re sorry you invaded Russia. Maybe offer him one night with your wife.”
(More to come)…
Trump, Vance and Zelenskyy met Friday at the White House, and the exchange reportedly fell apart and became a screaming match as Trump and Vance parroted Russian talking points and demanded that Ukraine cut a deal. They also chastized Zelensky for not being grateful enough to the U.S.’ help.
It’s comedian Shane Gillis‘ second time hosting “SNL,” while it’s also musical guest Tate McRae’s second appearance on the show. Gillis previously hosted almost exactly a year ago — on Feb. 24, 2024. On that episode, he didn’t shy away from referencing his awkward history with “SNL”: Gillis was originally set to join the cast in 2019 until racist, homophobic and misogynistic remarks he made on a podcast resurfaced.
“I’m here,” he said in his monologue last year. “Most of you probably have no idea who I am. I was actually — I was fired from this show a while ago. But, you know, don’t look that up, please. If you don’t know who I am, please don’t Google that. It’s fine. Don’t even worry about it.”
Gillis has co-hosted the popular podcast “Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast” and has become a frequent fixture on Netflix, where his comedy special “Shane Gillis: Beautiful Dogs” and comedy series “Tires” now live. “Tires” is set to return this year for Season 2.
This reps the first new episode of “Saturday Night Live” since the show’s ‘SNL50: The Anniversary Special’ aired on Feb. 16. That event attracted a live+same day average of 14.8 million viewers — a whopping 202% above the “SNL” Season 50 everage of 4.9 million. And in the days and weeks since its initial live broadcast, that “SNL50” audience has likely increased even more.
In the promo for this weej’s “SNL,” Gillis and featured player Ashley Padilla wander around the show’s offices, as the cast is jokingly still suffering hangovers from the “SNL50” blowout.
Next week, Lady Gaga will serve as host and musical guest for the second time. Gaga has previously hosted “SNL” once and performed as the musical guest four times.
