James Talarico crashes SNL’s first cold open post mid-run and first-time host Druski revives his controversial white face

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Saturday evening live celebrated the Democrats’ blue tsunami with a triumphant episode skewering Donald Trump and featuring a surprise visit from “Talafreako.”

Texas Senator-elect James Talarico ended the cold open during Saturday’s episode, hosted by comedian Druski with musical guest The Strokes. Talarico interrupted a rambling James Austin Johnson as Trump and was greeted with 20 seconds of applause and cheers.

“I’m James Talarico, the guy who texts you every day asking for five dollars,” the popular Democratic politician said. Trump joked: “In this economy, who can blame you?

Talarico continued: “But I think, Mr. President, if we can work together, we can improve the lives of ordinary Americans. It’s clear that people want something new. They want something different. I’m talking, of course, about SNL’The cold opens. How many of these freezers will Trump make? »

The appearance on Saturday’s episode came days after Talarico won the Texas Senate race with more than half the vote, defeating Ken Paxton and handing the seat to Democrats for the first time since 1988. Talarico’s victory was part of the sweep that saw Democrats take control of the House and Senate.

Before Talarico took the stage, Johnson’s Trump conducted a post-mortem of his midterm election defeat.

“I didn’t even say it was rigged,” Trump said of the election results. “I accepted the results, which is even scarier in a way. It’s like, ‘What is he up to?'” He then added that he only cares about his White House ballroom renovations, adding, “Oh my God, I hate my life.”

During the cold open, Johnson’s Trump also spoke to Colin Jost as Pete Hegseth, who told him: “You think an election is going to stop me? Do I look like a person who gets less crazy when cornered? I live a YOLO lifestyle. You only lose often, so I’m going to keep losing for you, sir, unless Congress impeaches me. But you won’t let that happen happen, right?”

“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go weigh the female soldiers. Peace out, war in,” Hegseth de Jost said.

Saturday’s episode made history as Druski became the first Internet content creator to host the show.

The viral star showed off his comedic skills during the episode with a parody of the Nathan Fielder and Elizabeth Holmes documentary. You can see everything where Druski appeared as Holmes, donning white and blue lenses.

Druski had warned the SNL audience during his hosting monologue that Whiteface was on the table. “Look, I know you’re all thinking SNL I’m going to tone it down tonight, but no, they’re not stopping me from saying anything,” he said. “They said, No. 1, no bad words. I can’t promise it. No. 2, no white face. I can’t promise that either. That’s about half the show here.

The episode also featured many surprise cameos besides Talarico. Oscar winner Emma Stone joined Druski during her monologue, teasing the upcoming film they star in together, The catch. Walton Goggins joined the Strokes on stage for their performance. During the show’s good nights, Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock were also seen on stage, alongside Michael B. Jordan.