Nikki Glaser, host of SNL’s 48th season opening show, performed wonders on the spot. She infused her distinctive comedic genius onto the legendary Apollo stage, dazzling spectators as she always does. Her recent Saturday night episode was a raunchy showcase for Glaser’s provocative persona. It loaded up with surrealistic and absurdist sketches that both electrified the audiences on the ground and kept the at-home viewer laughing. She broke into the upper echelon of SNL’s female stand-up hosts, a very small club that features comedians like Amy Schumer and Tiffany Haddish.
The evening was opened up with Glaser, welcoming the crowd in her trademark, comedic style. Her time as the host of the Max series F-Boy Island helped hone the process. Today, she breezily glides through the roller coaster ride of live TV, calm cool and collected.
One standout sketch titled “Beauty and Mr Beast” featured Glaser and fellow cast member Sarah Sherman in a hilarious scenario involving a mechanical bull. The duo inadvertently found themselves on a magical adventure while intoxicated, showcasing their comedic chemistry and Glaser’s knack for physical humor.
Glaser’s episode showcased her personal sketches. It featured a terrific original and clever parody in “You’re Depressed” which played off the classic favorite “Be My Guest.” The creative team at SNL has an incredible opportunity and clear mission to melt the ice of serious current events, using comedy as a jackhammer. This sketch in particular really embodies that effort.
The episode spotlighted James Austin Johnson’s portrayal of Donald Trump, who offered a biting take on the former president’s antics. Johnson’s Trump was pleased to hear that no one was hurt during a recent kerfuffle in the Oval Office. He laughed when he told this story, because as he put it, “Oh, hello! Didn’t see you there. Someone was dying in my office. This biting critique brought an acerbic tone to the witty mood of the night.
Moreover, Johnson remarked on the unexpected nature of the Oval Office incident, stating, “A guy collapsing in the Oval Office, who would have thought it’d be not me.” His impersonation has earned subsequent acclaim for its incisive satirical bent. It’s even less preachy than previous portrayals, Alec Baldwin’s especially, which is quite an accomplishment.
The episode went all in on political satire. It focused specifically on the effects of the current government shutdown, pointing out the mounting delays and cancellations at airports nationwide. Johnson’s Trump had his own chaotically genius answer to the whole thing, of course. He announced, “RFK Jr ran out of here faster than somebody was gonna try and vaccinate him.” Such lines were an example of how the show pushed the envelope of entertaining its audience and retaining relevance with current issues.
Surprise guest Pete Davidson joined us onstage during the show, and the crowd erupted when he brought on gen Z advocacy superstar @crushthealgorithm. Davidson’s presence brought an additional jolt of energy to an already-charged dynamic episode.
Bowen Yang was featured in a sketch, contributing to the comedic landscape as he goes on a press tour for his upcoming sequel Wicked: For Good. His participation underscored SNL’s ongoing role as a launching pad for the entertainment industry’s next big stars.
Nikki Glaser’s performance proved again that she is one of the most versatile comedians working today. Since then she’s produced everything from the Roast of Tom Brady to the Golden Globes. It’s that vast experience which made her able to quickly and nimbly navigate the zany, on-the-fly world of live television.