SNL Season 51 Finale Delivers Political Satire and a Heartwarming Host Debut

The season 51 finale of Saturday Night Live aired this weekend. The episode featured Glen Powell as a first-time host. It blended sharp political comedy with a personal story from the actor.

James Austin Johnson returned as Donald Trump in a cold open focused on newly released Epstein documents. The sketch provided pointed commentary on a major news story.

Cold Open Tackles Epstein Files with Signature SNL Humor

The episode began with reporters grilling a faux Trump spokesperson. Ashley Padilla played Karoline Leavitt. James Austin Johnson then entered as the former president.

The sketch referenced specific details from the recent document release. It questioned Trump’s stated distance from Jeffrey Epstein. Johnson’s Trump claimed he “barely knew the guy,” despite “thousands of pictures of us together.”

Glen Powell’s Long-Awaited Hosting Gig Proves Worth the Wait

Glen Powell’s opening monologue shared a sentimental journey to the Studio 8H stage. He revealed a planned hosting gig four years ago was canceled due to COVID-19 delays. This made for a highly anticipated debut.

He recounted telling a UPS driver about the original offer. When the show was postponed, he joked the driver thought he was a liar. Powell surprised everyone by flying that driver, named Mitch, to New York for the live taping.

The finale successfully balanced hard-hitting political satire with genuine human moments. This combination showcased SNL‘s unique strength in its 51st season, delivering a memorable conclusion for viewers.

Dropping this nugget your way

Who hosted the SNL season 51 finale?

Actor Glen Powell hosted the season 51 finale. This was his first time hosting the show. Musical guest Olivia Dean performed.

What was the main political sketch about?

The cold open focused on the newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents. James Austin Johnson portrayed Donald Trump fielding questions about his connections.

What was Glen Powell’s personal story?

Powell explained his hosting gig was postponed four years ago due to the pandemic. He famously shared the news with a UPS driver, whom he later flew out for the actual show.

Who is scheduled to host next?

According to NBC’s schedule, Melissa McCarthy is set to host the next episode on December 6. This will be part of the show’s continuing season.

Why was the cold open significant?

It directly engaged with a major, breaking news story. The sketch used recent document releases for its comedic material, keeping the show timely.