The latest episode of "Saturday Night Live" had audiences both chuckling and tweeting as it took playful swipes at Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Douglas Emhoff, during a spoof of the vice presidential debate.
The satire extended to other political figures and garnered a warm reception from viewers for its candid humor, Daily Mail reported.
In a vivid portrayal, Maya Rudolph depicted Kamala Harris as visibly stressed, complaining about the demands of her role while joking about her wine choice, named Josh.
Andy Samberg played her supportive but equally exasperated husband, Douglas Emhoff, suggesting they could find some relief by watching something less intense than the debate.
The faux debate included several outlandish moments, such as Jim Gaffigan's portrayal of Tim Walz, who inadvertently claimed to have "become friends with school shooters," creating a mix of shock and laughter in the audience.
This was followed by an awkward attempt to right his blunder, during which he insisted he had been in Hong Kong during the Tiananmen Square massacre.
Adding to the array of characters, veteran comedian Dana Carvey portrayed Joe Biden, offering Harris haphazard advice in a goofy stumble-through that amplified the sketch's take on the current political landscape. The portrayal flickered between affectionate mimicry and biting satire.
Throughout the skit, Bowen Yang and Gaffigan, playing JD Vance and Tim Walz, respectively, exhibited exaggerated political camaraderie that puzzled Harris's character.
Maya Rudolph's depiction of Harris aimed jabs at such moments with remarks questioning why the two candidates seemed to be getting along so strangely well.
The debate skit featured humorous exchanges and memorable gaffes. Among them was a fictional challenge thrown by Gaffigan's Walz, asking Vance whether he would admit that Donald Trump had lost the election, to which Vance deflected.
Reactions on social media highlighted a shift in "Saturday Night Live"'s comedic approach, with viewers praising the show for returning to a more non-partisan, all-encompassing humor.
Comments ranged from delighted surprises at the show's boldness to commendations for hitting humorous notes that even "Fox News would find flattering."
Others expressed their enjoyment in seeing the show venture into political satire that did not spare the Democratic ticket, indicating a broader scope of comedy.
Some remarks illustrated viewers' perceptions of an SNL pivot, suggesting that the program had "officially turned on Kamala" with its pointed humor.
Andy Samberg's Emhoff lightened the mood further by proposing they switch to a less stressful show, humorously referencing the notorious Menendez Brothers.
This brought a bit of dark humor into the mix, showcasing SNL's trademark blending of contemporary political issues with pop culture references.
Rudolph's Harris reminisced about her debate performances, making quips about her opponent's audience size, which further amused the live and viewing audiences. Her confident portrayal brought a critical, yet humorous perspective on her political journey and public persona.
As the show wrapped up its political satire, it left viewers discussing and debating the impressions left by the politicians' parodies. It was a night where humor bridged the gap between various political stances, bringing laughter to a broad spectrum of SNL's audience.
The episode stands as a reminder of the program's enduring influence in American political satire, highlighting its ability to engage with political events in a way that resonates humorously and insightfully with public sentiment. As always, SNL's take on the political pulse of the nation provides not just laughs but a unique commentary on the state of U.S. politics.
