NEW YORK CITY -

The beloved sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live” marked its spectacular 50th season with an exhilarating premiere featuring a star-studded lineup of former cast members. Maya Rudolph returned as Vice President Kamala Harris, joined by Andy Samberg portraying her husband, Doug Emhoff, and Dana Carvey as President Joe Biden.

In a hilarious cold open framed as a mock rally, Rudolph-as-Harris emphasized the importance of unity with a cheeky twist, stating, “We've got to stay focused. If we win, together, we can end the drama-la and the trauma-la and go relax in our pajama-las.” The comedic rally quickly escalated as they introduced Tim Walz, with Jim Gaffigan stepping in for the role. Carvey, at 69, humorously stole the spotlight by quipping, “A lot of people forget I’m president, including me,” harking back to his iconic portrayal of George H.W. Bush in the late 1980s.

Both Rudolph and Carvey proclaimed, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday night!” ringing in the show's momentous milestone. This season opener celebrated Rudolph's much-anticipated return as Harris, with surprise appearances from Carvey, Samberg, and Gaffigan to the delight of fans.

Jean Smart, basking in the glow of her recent sixth Emmy win for “Hacks,” stepped into the host role for the first time in her illustrious career. She reminisced in her opening monologue, “I remember watching the first episode of ‘SNL’ and thinking, ‘Someday I’m going to host that show,’ and this is the first Saturday that fit my schedule.”

The very first episode of “SNL” aired on October 11, 1975, with pioneering performances from legends like Chevy Chase, John Belushi, and Gilda Radner, under the directorship of Lorne Michaels, who continues to helm the show.

The musical segment of the evening saw Jelly Roll perform his hits “Liar” and “Sober.” Smart introduced him alongside Hannah Einbinder, who is notably the daughter of original cast member Laraine Newman, making the connection to the show’s rich history even more poignant.

As the night unfolded, regular cast members resumed their roles seamlessly. James Austin Johnson reprised his impression of Donald Trump at a rally, humorously longing for Biden as a rival. “We miss Joe Biden, folks,” he remarked, evoking laughter from the audience.

Colin Jost and Michael Che returned to anchor the “Weekend Update” segment, where Jost remarked on the surge of insane political news over the summer, hinting at the chaos that awaited the viewers.

The premiere concluded with a star-studded cast joining Smart and Jelly Roll on stage for the traditional sign-off, a moment reminiscent of the show's legacy of bringing together various talents.

Looking ahead, the upcoming episodes promise an exciting array of hosts and musical guests, including comedian Nate Bargatze with Coldplay, Ariana Grande alongside Stevie Nicks, and actors Michael Keaton with Billie Eilish. The season will culminate in a monumental three-hour primetime special set for February 16, designed to commemorate five decades of comedic brilliance and the plethora of stars that have emerged from the “SNL” universe, aiming to attract fans both old and new.

Stay tuned as this iconic show continues to push boundaries and deliver laughter, especially in today’s unpredictable political climate!