WATCH: Black Twitter Celebrates Maya Rudolph’s ‘Spot On’ ‘SNL’ Return as Kamala Harris
The long-running sketch comedy series opened Season 50 with the Emmy winner’s highly-anticipated return as the vice president.
by Stephanie Holland · The RootAs it kicked off Season 50, “Saturday Night Live” wasted no time jumping into the 2024 presidential election. The series premiere opened with a sketch featuring Maya Rudolph’s triumphant return as Vice President Kamala Harris.
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The skit began with cast member Andrew Dismukes as ABC News anchor David Muir, reporting on Kamala Harris and Donald Trump’s latest rallies. Rudolph delivered a perfect VP as she spoke to voters in swing state “WisconsnaPennsylvaGeorgia.” She tapped into the fun surrounding Harris’ campaign, breaking into Kamala’s signature laugh. She was joined on stage by running mate Governor Tim Walz, played by comedian Jim Gaffigan, her husband Doug Emhoff, embodied by former cast member Andy Samberg and President Joe Biden, which heralded the return of former cast member Dana Carvey, who memorably played President George H.W. Bush, during his term.
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Then the action switched over to Trump’s sad rally, where cast member James Austin Johnson continued his portrayal of the former president. As he nonsensically rambled on, he was joined by his running mate J.D. Vance, surprisingly, yet hilariously, skewered by Emmy nominated cast member Bowen Yang.
Fans have been talking about Rudolph’s return since Harris became the Democratic presidential nominee, so excitement for her first appearance of the season was extremely high. Being the comedy pro that she is, Maya did not disappoint, and social media noticed.
One viewer noted how spot on the Emmy winner’s performance was, writing on X, “Maya Rudolph has gotten Kamala’s voice DOWN now. She deserves job security for the next four years, thanks.”
Another fan, who applauded all the actors in the sketch, praised the “Bridesmaids” star, posting, “Maya Rudolph has Harris NAILED.”
The “Loot” star’s pitch perfect VP impression was a popular sentiment, with one user writing on X, “Maya Rudolph is so incredibly funny. She absolutely nailed it in this SNL skit. Sounds and looks just like Kamala.”
One person noted the special vibe she brings to the proceedings, writing on X, “Maya Rudolph returning as Kamala Harris for ‘SNL’s’ Season 50 premiere is exciting! Her comedic take on politics always brings great energy to the show. Can’t wait to see what she brings this time!”
Fans in the comments under “Saturday Night Live’s” YouTube video of the sketch were equally impressed with her performance.
Harris and Trump Rallies Cold Open - SNL
Someone else called back to one of “SNL’s” most memorable political impressions, replying, “Maya Rudolph as Kamala is like Tina Fey as Sarah Palin - completely uncanny.”
Viewers just couldn’t seem to get past the pure perfection of Rudolph’s performance, with one person commenting, “Holy damn, that Harris impression is immaculate. The tone of voice and the inflection are totally spot on!”
As Season 50 of “SNL” continues, Maya’s recurring appearances will likely be the the biggest story of the show’s early episodes. The real question is will the VP make a surprise appearance as the election gets closer?