The best sketches from the season 50 premiere

Entertainment

“SNL” kicked off its 50th season on September 28 with host Jean Smart and musical guest Jelly Roll.

“SNL” returned to the airwaves for its 50th season on September 28, with actress Jean Smart (“Hacks”) serving as host and country music sensation Jelly Roll as the musical guest.

As expected from the season premiere, Smart wasn’t the only star to join the “SNL” cast for the evening. The cold open featured guest appearances by a quartet of comedians: Maya Rudolph reprized her role as Vice President Kamala Harris, Andy Samberg played Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Dana Carvey played President Joe Biden, and Jim Gaffigan played Harris’ running mate, Tim Walz.

Smart’s hosting duties come fresh off her Emmy win for lead actress in a comedy series for HBO’s “Hacks,” which won three top awards at the Sept. 15 ceremony. In the dark comedy, Smart plays legendary stand-up comedian Deborah Vance, which likely made it easier for her to take the stage at Studio 8H during her “SNL” opening monologue.

Heading into the 50th season of “Saturday Night Live,” the level of expectation surrounding the variety show was higher than usual. Interest in “SNL” typically spikes during election years, and rumors about whether creator Lorne Michaels will retire after 50 years in executive leadership have further fueled speculation. (Michaels mostly silenced these rumors by saying New York Times in a June interview, he will continue to serve as “SNL” showrunner “as long as I feel I can do it”).

Watch the videos below to see highlights from “SNL’s” return, including a cameo-packed cold open, Smart’s monologue, and the return of Colin Jost and Michael Che to the “Weekend Update” newsroom.

Cold Open “Saturday Night Live”.

Monologue by Jean Smart

“SNL Weekend Update” Clips.

Some of the best sketches

Jelly Roll musical performances