Amy Poehler made her highly anticipated return to “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) on Saturday, marking her first hosting gig in 15 years. This episode would prove to be a huge turning point for Poehler. It further broke records for the show by marking the 50th anniversary of SNL’s very first broadcast, which took place on the same day—October 11, 1975. With a mix of humor, nostalgia, and sharp social commentary, Poehler brought both her comedic talent and a celebratory spirit to the iconic stage.
In her opening monologue, Poehler gleefully touted the launch of her brand-new podcast. She earnestly marveled, with some humor, at the role she’d played in creating the current podcasting landscape.
“I’m a podcaster now and if that’s not a recession indicator I don’t know what is,” – Amy Poehler.
She skillfully linked this personal achievement to the episode’s larger importance, captivating viewers with her characteristic humor.
Poehler fully embodied each and every character she reprised all evening long, proving her talent and range as an entertainer. Among her most notable parts was playing Attorney General Pam Bondi, who later testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee. In a memorable comedic line, she introduced herself with a clever twist:
“My name is Pam Bondi, I spell it with an I because I ain’t gonna answer any of your questions.”
This new character gave Poehler a unique opportunity to mix political commentary with comedic relief, continuing the show’s rich history of political and institutional satire.
In a second skit, Poehler reprised her role as South Dakota Gov. Tina Fey accompanied her, using a comedic spin on Noem’s actual cosmetic surgery to add some ridiculous new features. The difference between Poehler and Fey only served to highlight their remarkable comedic chemistry. It was a testament to the deep mutual respect they share for one another’s craft.
In the episode, Poehler portrays a pregnant corporate madam. In a scene that will have you laughing out loud, she comically subverts feminist expectations by laboring until the very last minute before she gives birth to her child. She did it by playing a wife and mother experiencing a mid-life crisis. Creating her metamorphosis into a vengeful goth teen resonated with a generation of audience members going through that same transitional phase into adulthood themselves.
On top of these TV characters, Poehler created a distinctive new comic character, Miss Lycus, the Fast Psychic. This new element brought a new dynamic twist to the episode and was yet another example of her depth as a multifaceted performer.
Later in the show, Poehler teamed up with Bowen Yang to discuss the often-overlooked process behind creating haunting instrumental themes for various acclaimed television dramas. Their witty exchange offered a truly enlightening and side-splitting look behind the curtain at the collaborative, creative process that fuels great television.
Here’s why longtime fans of SNL probably got hits of nostalgia when Poehler returned to the show. She even challenged Colin Jost and Michael Che to an old-fashioned joke-off, proving her long-standing SNL ties and bringing continuity to the viewing audience.
Charli XCX delighted one and all with a raucous pitter-patter of a shakin’ stalk onto the stage. Her presence brought an unexpected childlike spirit of fun to the show.
As the night continued, we saw a handful of cameos pop up that helped to match the celebratory tone of the episode. Aubrey Plaza showed up in a surprise cameo as a new character. This addition increased the energy and spontaneity that SNL is known for.
The magic of these elements combined to ensure an unforgettable evening packed with laughs, drama and surprises. Amy Poehler’s triumphant homecoming moment delighted the Philadelphia live audience and TV viewers alike.