SNL Recap: Maya Rudolph and James Austin Johnson Face Off as Kamala Harris and Donald Trump

James Austin Johnson as Donald Trump, Kenan Thompson as Steve Harvey and Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris on ‘Saturday Night Live.’ Will Heath/NBC

SNL Recap: Maya Rudolph and James Austin Johnson Face Off as Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on Family Feud

In a brilliant satirical twist on political debates, Saturday Night Live (SNL) brought back fan-favorites Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris and James Austin Johnson as Donald Trump. This time, they faced off on the iconic game show Family Feud, hosted by the ever-charismatic Kenan Thompson as Steve Harvey. The sketch not only provided laughs but also cleverly highlighted the absurdities of political rivalries in a humorous game show format.

A Hilarious Introduction

The sketch opened with Thompson introducing himself with his signature humor: “I am Steve Harvey and I have spent the past 20 years hosting every show on TV as my alibi for them Diddy parties.” The audience erupted in laughter as he set the stage for a comedic showdown between the two political rivals. Thompson then introduced the Democratic side, which featured Harris (Rudolph), Tim Walz (played by Jim Gaffigan), Joe Biden (portrayed by Dana Carvey), and Douglas Emhoff (played by Andy Samberg). On the Republican side, Johnson’s Trump was flanked by J.D. Vance (played by Bowen Yang), Donald Trump Jr. (played by Mikey Day), and a notably absent Melania Trump.

Rudolph’s Harris wasted no time with her sharp wit and humor. Upon her introduction, she quipped, “It’s wonderful to be here, Steve. I love to see a man getting paid millions of dollars at his black job.” The line drew laughter from the audience, showcasing her ability to blend humor with social commentary. She then humorously recounted her recent media blitz, stating, “I went on Howard Stern to reach the horny cab drivers and on The View for the horny moms.” This self-aware commentary was not only funny but also highlighted the often ridiculous lengths politicians go to in order to connect with various voter demographics. She concluded her introduction with a powerful message aimed at young women: “You need to go to the ballot box if you want the government out your ballot box,” reinforcing the importance of civic engagement.

The Game Begins

As the game commenced, Thompson’s Harvey introduced the first question: “What’s something that you keep in your glove compartment?” The comedic tension built as Harris took the floor. In a humorous detour, she began discussing her middle-class upbringing, sharing anecdotes about her mother and sister, before finally answering the question with a punchline, “Oh, a Glock, Steve. A big ole Glock.” The unexpected answer elicited laughter and applause from the audience, and the Democrats seized control of the board.

Next was Samberg’s Emhoff, who attempted to mirror Harris’s boldness by echoing her answer. “Steve, a Glock,” he confidently stated, adding another point to their team. However, the momentum shifted when Gaffigan’s Walz and Carvey’s Biden offered less impressive answers, leading to a missed opportunity for the Democrats.

The Republicans then had their chance to steal. Thompson turned to Trump first, who responded with characteristic bravado. “Well, Steve, I’ve never ridden in the front seat of cars, so this question is very unfair,” he declared, setting the stage for a lengthy, rambling rant that veered off-topic. The audience laughed at Johnson’s portrayal of Trump, which effectively captured the former president’s penchant for long-winded speeches.

In a moment of comedic genius, Thompson’s Harvey, growing increasingly frustrated, yelled, “Show me dementia!” The audience erupted at the absurdity, but that answer wasn’t on the board, leading to a decisive victory for the Democrats. The sketch perfectly encapsulated the chaotic nature of political discourse, using humor to address serious issues.

Ariana Grande Hosts

The episode featured Ariana Grande returning to Studio 8H to host SNL for the second time, a notable comeback since her hosting debut in 2016. Grande also performed as the musical guest during Josh Brolin’s episode last season, making her presence even more anticipated. This week, the legendary Stevie Nicks took on the role of musical guest.

Grande opened her monologue with a lighthearted promise to keep things “low-key.” “I’m just hosting. I’m not gonna make this about me. I’m just gonna have fun,” she stated, setting the tone for her appearance. However, true to her vibrant personality, she soon broke into song, showcasing her impressive vocal range with a medley that included spot-on impressions of Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, and Gwen Stefani.

During one segment, Yang joined her on stage dressed as Glinda from The Wizard of Oz, prompting Grande to playfully inform him, “Bowen, didn’t anybody tell you? We cut the Wicked sketch.” This line not only highlighted her comedic timing but also connected with the audience, who appreciated the reference to Broadway. Grande further entertained the audience with her playful declaration, “The other last thing I’m not gonna do is bring out some hot dancers to do some insanely high kicks,” only to be joined by a troupe of dancers for a lively performance. The “We Can’t Be Friends” artist continued to flex her vocal prowess, singing, “If you’re looking for a diva, don’t look over here. ‘Cause tonight, I’m keeping it low-key.”

Conclusion

The latest episode of Saturday Night Live successfully blended political satire with musical entertainment, showcasing the talents of both the cast and the host. The Family Feud sketch provided a humorous critique of political rivalries while highlighting the absurdity of contemporary discourse. Ariana Grande’s return added an extra layer of excitement, as her performances captivated the audience and showcased her multifaceted talents.

As SNL continues to tackle current events with humor and creativity, viewers can look forward to more memorable moments that reflect the ever-evolving landscape of politics and entertainment. The combination of sharp satire, musical performances, and engaging sketches ensures that SNL remains a cultural touchstone in American television.

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