SNL’s NYC Mayoral Debate Cold Open Sends Trump Storming Back into Politics

Saturday Night Live kicked off its November 1st episode with a razor-sharp political sketch. The cold open hilariously parodied the final New York City mayoral debate ahead of the real election. Host Miles Teller and a standout cast delivered one of the season’s most talked-about segments.

The sketch arrived at a perfect time, airing just days before voters head to the polls. According to NBC, the show’s trademark satirical edge resonated instantly with audiences, sparking immediate reactions across social media platforms.

Trump Crashes the Party in Classic SNL Fashion

The sketch featured Ramy Youssef as leading Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani. Miles Teller delivered a spot-on portrayal of former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who was participating in the fictional debate. The comedic setup was classic SNL, pitting candidates against each other with absurd, New York-centric questions.

Then James Austin Johnson burst onto the stage. His unmistakable Donald Trump impression immediately hijacked the proceedings. The character insisted the debate was really about him, completely derailing any policy discussion.

Johnson’s performance was the undeniable highlight. His timing and cadence captured the former president’s mannerisms perfectly. The interruption created a cascade of laughs from the live studio audience and set the tone for the entire episode.

Why This Sketch Became an Instant Viral Hit

The cold open succeeded due to its perfect blend of timeliness and talented execution. Satire hits hardest when it reflects current events happening in real time. With the actual election just three days away, the sketch felt immediately relevant to viewers, especially those in New York.

Casting choices also played a major role in its success. Miles Teller proved a game host, fully committing to his Andrew Cuomo character. Ramy Youssef’s nuanced take on Mamdani provided a straight-man foil to the chaos. But Johnson’s scene-stealing turn provided the viral spark.

Variety reported that social media engagement for the sketch surged within minutes of its broadcast. The combination of sharp political humor and celebrity cameos created a shareable moment that felt both fresh and comfortingly familiar to long-time SNL fans.

This SNL NYC mayoral debate cold open demonstrated the show’s enduring power to shape political comedy conversations. The sketch proved that with the right talent and timing, late-night television can still capture the cultural moment perfectly.

Thought you’d like to know-

What was the SNL cold open about on November 1st?

The sketch parodied the New York City mayoral debate. It featured cast members and host Miles Teller as the candidates. Donald Trump, played by James Austin Johnson, crashed the event.

Who played Donald Trump in the sketch?

James Austin Johnson performed his acclaimed Donald Trump impression. He has become famous for this specific character on the show. His interruption was the central comedic moment of the cold open.

Which real-life candidates were portrayed?

Ramy Youssef played Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani. Miles Teller portrayed former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The sketch also included a Republican candidate for balance.

How did audiences react to the political satire?

The sketch generated significant positive reaction online. Many viewers called it the best cold open of the season. Its timing right before the real election amplified its impact.

Where can I watch the full sketch?

The entire episode is available on Peacock, NBC’s streaming service. Clips are also often posted on SNL’s official YouTube channel. These are typically available shortly after the live broadcast ends.