In a humorous twist, Saturday Night Live (SNL) opened with a mock debate featuring fictional New York City mayoral candidates. The skit was led by host Miles Teller, who played Andrew Cuomo, the former governor of New York. The debate brought out notable performances from Ramy Youssef and Shane Gillis, alongside a cameo from James Austin Johnson as Donald Trump.
Highlighting the SNL New York City Mayoral Debate
The SNL cold open kicked off with Teller’s Cuomo introducing himself as a “born, bred New Yorker” who claims to know the city intimately. Ramy Youssef, portraying the young socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani, humorously addressed concerns about his background. He stated, “I’m ready to hear my opponents pronounce my name in ways you couldn’t begin to imagine,” effectively poking fun at potential public perceptions.
Shane Gillis took on the role of Curtis Sliwa, leading to a series of comedic exchanges between the fictional candidates. They addressed lighthearted questions about their motivations for running and personal preferences, including their favorite bagels.
Trump’s Grand Entrance
The satirical debate escalated when Johnson’s Trump made a memorable entrance. He suggested that he might as well run for mayor himself, declaring, “It’s me!” Johnson further comically remarked on the election, trivializing serious issues by stating, “Yes, they can pretend this election is about housing and taxes, but we all know it’s about me.”
He continued with humorous comments about his New York residency, quipping about his “Big Mac with a hole in the middle” bagel order and alluding to his notorious past in the city.
Miles Teller’s Return to SNL
This episode marked Teller’s second time hosting SNL. He began with a personal monologue reflecting on recent life changes, including losing his home in the Los Angeles wildfires earlier in the year. Teller reassured viewers, saying, “Don’t worry, we’re doing great,” and humorously pointed out fire exits in the studio.
Teller also showcased his comedic chops in a pre-taped skit parodying the Property Brothers. The segment centered around the renovation of the White House, juxtaposing current events with comedic flair. He and his co-star humorously commented on the extravagant renovations, with Teller’s character joking, “It will be ready just in time for my third term.”
Upcoming Hosts and Musical Guests
Teller is the fourth host for SNL’s 51st season, following a lineup that includes Nikki Glaser and Glen Powell in upcoming weeks. Musical guests scheduled to perform include Sombr and Olivia Dean. Previous hosts this season included Bad Bunny and Amy Poehler.
- Host: Miles Teller
- Special Guests: Ramy Youssef, Shane Gillis, James Austin Johnson as Trump
- Upcoming Hosts: Nikki Glaser, Glen Powell
- Musical Guests: Sombr, Olivia Dean
The SNL satirical portrayal of the NYC mayoral debate effectively captured attention with humor and topical references, illustrating the show’s enduring relevance in political commentary.
