Saturday Night Live/ SNL post-election episode/ Trump second term/ Bill Burr host/ James Austin Johnson Trump impression/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ “Saturday Night Live” prepares to tackle Donald Trump’s second presidential term in its first episode since his re-election, with Bill Burr as host and Mk.gee as the musical guest. Following several episodes centered on Kamala Harris, this week’s cold open will set the tone for SNL’s approach to Trump’s new term.
‘SNL’ and Trump’s Second Term Quick Looks
- Host and guest lineup: Comedian Bill Burr will host with musical guest Mk.gee.
- New political focus: Shifting from Kamala Harris, SNL’s cold open is expected to address Trump’s re-election.
- Returning cast favorite: James Austin Johnson will likely reprise his popular Trump impression.
- SNL’s history with Trump: Known for its satirical takes, SNL previously used skits and songs to respond to Trump’s election.
SNL’ Gears Up for Trump’s Second Term with Bill Burr Hosting
Deep Look
With Donald Trump re-elected, Saturday Night Live (SNL) is preparing to take a fresh comedic look at his second term in its upcoming episode, airing for the first time since the 2024 election. Known for blending satire with current events, the show is anticipated to bring a unique take on the political landscape, with comedian Bill Burr hosting and Mk.gee as the musical guest.
SNL’s Post-Election Cold Open
SNL’s cold opens often set the stage for the show’s political commentary, especially in times of major national events. This week’s skit, anticipated by many, will signal how the NBC staple intends to handle Trump’s return to office. James Austin Johnson, known for his popular Trump impersonation, is expected to be featured prominently. Johnson’s portrayal of Trump has become a staple for the show, offering both humor and insight into the complexities of the political climate.
In the lead-up to the election, SNL’s first five episodes focused heavily on Vice President Kamala Harris, portrayed by Maya Rudolph, with Harris herself even making a surprise appearance last week. These episodes captured pre-election energy, but with the outcome now decided, the show is likely to shift to a more somber, reflective tone as it reorients toward the next four years under Trump.
SNL’s 2016 Reaction to Trump’s First Election
Following Trump’s first victory in 2016, SNL opened with a poignant skit featuring Kate McKinnon, dressed as Hillary Clinton, singing Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” This cold open resonated widely, capturing the sentiments of many viewers on the losing side of the election. Dave Chappelle hosted that post-election episode, delivering both humor and social commentary that reflected the tense and divided national mood.
Chappelle returned to host again after the 2020 election, but this time, Bill Burr takes on the role of host. Known for his centrist yet edgy comedic style, Burr is expected to bring a different flavor to SNL’s post-election atmosphere. Burr’s political stance is often described as “angrily centrist,” which could provide a unique balance in SNL’s opening skits, as he joins Kieran Culkin and Bob Odenkirk on Broadway this spring.
SNL’s Broader Approach to Politics
While SNL typically delivers political satire through its cold open and “Weekend Update” segment, the rest of the show tends to pivot away from overt political themes. Burr, currently in the midst of a major standup tour, is likely to add his own flavor to the opening skit, but after that, the show may return to more varied sketches that focus less on politics.
As the 50th season continues with a rise in viewership, fans can expect SNL to keep addressing Trump’s presidency in future episodes, but perhaps with a new blend of humor and reflection suited to a divided and complex political landscape.
