Mikey Madison steps onto the Saturday Night Live stage for the first time showcasing her talent, while Morgan Wallen delivers high-energy performances.
Saturday Night Live returned from hiatus with an episode hosted by Mikey Madison, fresh off her Oscar-winning turn in Anora. The night kicked off with a political cold open featuring the Trump administration’s latest debacle, with standout performances from Andrew Dismukes, Bowen Yang, and Marcello Hernández. While the sketch had a few sharp jabs, it didn’t fully capitalize on the outrageousness of the real-life events it parodied.
Mikey Madison’s monologue was a fun introduction to her career, highlighting her intense performances and even joking about her twin brother. She teased a pole-dancing segment inspired by Anora, only to humorously swap places with a buff stunt double—a clever gag that landed well.
The night’s sketches brought a mix of returning fan-favorite characters and fresh concepts. Marcello Hernández’s exaggerated commercial acting coach was back, delivering laughs with his over-the-top persona. Meanwhile, “A Weekend in New York” poked fun at trendy city life, with a surprise cameo from Joe Jonas adding star power to the mix.
The standout moment of the night was “Weekend Update“, where Colin Jost and Michael Che tackled the week’s biggest headlines. A highlight was newcomer Ashley Padilla as Joann of Joann Fabrics, turning a bankruptcy discussion into a darkly hilarious rant. Devon Walker also made an appearance, parodying viral influencer culture in a sketch that had potential but could have gone even further.
Other sketches delivered mixed results. The courtroom jury selection scene had its moments, including an excellent James Austin Johnson impression of Jay-Z, while “Varsity Valley Spring Break” hilariously contrasted heartfelt drama with chaotic spring break antics. The mobster-themed sketch took a unique twist by blending crime drama with stand-up comedy aspirations, though audience reactions were varied.
Musical guest Morgan Wallen delivered energetic performances, closing the night with his signature country style. However, his abrupt exit before the curtain call sparked online buzz, with fans speculating about the behind-the-scenes dynamic.
One of the evening’s most creative bits was “Please Don’t Destroy“’s new short, where Mikey Madison pitched a dramatic live-action SpongeBob adaptation.
While some sketches didn’t land as strongly, Mikey Madison embraced the SNL experience, showing off her comedic chops in moments like the “So, Like, What Are We?” dating game sketch, where she truly shined.
Overall, the episode had a mix of highs and lows, but Mikey Madison’s star power and commitment to the format made for an entertaining watch. With a few standout moments and some buzzy post-show chatter, this SNL installment will certainly be remembered.
