Quick Read
- SNL Season 51’s cold open spoofed the NYC mayoral race just days before the election.
- Host Miles Teller played Andrew Cuomo; Ramy Youssef was Zohran Mamdani; Shane Gillis portrayed Curtis Sliwa.
- James Austin Johnson’s Trump crashed the debate, stealing the spotlight and viral attention.
- Brandi Carlile was the episode’s musical guest.
- The sketch trended immediately on social media, hailed as the season’s best by many viewers.
SNL’s Cold Open Brings NYC Mayoral Race to the Comedy Stage
Saturday Night Live returned to the airwaves on November 1, 2025, primed to lampoon one of America’s most watched political contests: the New York City mayoral race. With the real election just days away, the show’s cold open wasted no time diving into the chaos, transforming the NBC stage into a parody of the city’s high-stakes debate.
Leading the charge was host Miles Teller, stepping confidently into the shoes of former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Alongside him, Ramy Youssef delivered a pitch-perfect impersonation of Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani, while Shane Gillis made a surprise appearance as Republican hopeful Curtis Sliwa. The comedic energy was palpable, but it was James Austin Johnson’s Donald Trump who crashed the party—stealing the spotlight and, predictably, derailing the proceedings.
Sharp Satire and Absurd Questions: SNL’s Signature Touch
The sketch opened with Kenan Thompson as debate moderator, tossing questions that ranged from serious to delightfully absurd. Candidates were grilled not only about city policy, but also about their favorite bagel orders and quintessential New York stereotypes. The humor was razor-sharp, poking fun at both the idiosyncrasies of local politics and the larger-than-life personas running for office.
Ramy Youssef’s Zohran Mamdani navigated the comedic minefield with understated charm, while Miles Teller’s Cuomo brought a sly self-awareness to the table. Shane Gillis, returning to SNL’s spotlight after past controversies, leaned into his role as Curtis Sliwa, injecting a dose of unpredictability into the proceedings. But as always, the sketch’s rhythm shifted when Trump arrived.
Trump Hijacks the Debate: Johnson’s Impersonation Dominates
James Austin Johnson’s Trump burst onto the scene with characteristic bravado, declaring, “It’s about me,” and promptly redirecting every issue back to himself. He answered questions meant for the mayoral candidates, quipping that his bagel of choice was a “Big Mac with a hole in it,” and even mused aloud about simply taking over the mayor’s job. The moment was pure SNL: sharp, timely, and delivered with expert comedic timing.
Johnson’s impersonation of Trump has become appointment television, with viewers tuning in each week to see which mannerisms and catchphrases he’ll deploy next. On this night, his performance not only stole the sketch—it set social media ablaze, with clips trending across platforms within hours.
Viral Reaction and Cultural Impact
The cold open resonated deeply with New Yorkers and SNL fans nationwide. Its release just three days before the actual mayoral election amplified its relevance, making the parody feel both urgent and universally relatable. Social media was flooded with reactions praising the sketch’s timing, casting, and biting wit.
According to Variety and The Daily Beast, the debate sketch was instantly hailed as one of the season’s strongest. Many viewers noted that the casting choices—particularly Teller’s energetic Cuomo and Youssef’s authentic Mamdani—struck a chord. Yet it was Johnson’s Trump, as always, who became the focal point of memes, retweets, and viral discussion.
Even outside the realm of satire, the sketch touched on the anxieties and quirks of New York’s political landscape. The show managed to lampoon the circus-like atmosphere of election season while still capturing the underlying tension and unpredictability that define real-life debates.
Behind the Scenes: Host, Cast, and Musical Guest Shine
Miles Teller’s hosting debut was widely praised, with critics highlighting his willingness to dive headfirst into SNL’s irreverent style. He brought a self-deprecating humor to every sketch, demonstrating a comedic range that surprised even longtime fans.
Ramy Youssef, known for his nuanced performances, adapted seamlessly to the role of Zohran Mamdani, mirroring both the candidate’s mannerisms and his campaign’s message. Shane Gillis’s return to SNL was notable not just for its comedic value, but also for how it reflected the show’s ongoing willingness to take risks with casting and content.
Musical guest Brandi Carlile rounded out the night, delivering a stirring performance that provided a welcome contrast to the evening’s political satire. Her set was met with enthusiastic applause, further cementing the episode’s status as a standout in SNL’s ongoing season.
Why This Sketch Struck a Chord
Political satire on SNL often walks a fine line between humor and commentary. This cold open succeeded because it was both timely and meticulously crafted. By focusing on the NYC mayoral race—an event with immediate relevance to millions—the writers and performers ensured the jokes landed with maximum impact.
Fans and critics alike pointed to the sketch’s blend of absurdity and authenticity. The use of real candidate names, familiar New York tropes, and Trump’s larger-than-life persona created a comedic cocktail that felt both fresh and classic. The cold open was, in many ways, a microcosm of SNL’s enduring appeal: the ability to turn current events into shared cultural moments.
Looking Ahead: SNL’s Election Coverage Continues
With voting underway and results pending, SNL is poised to continue its coverage of the NYC election and its aftermath. James Austin Johnson’s Trump is expected to return, bringing new material as the political landscape evolves. The show’s commitment to “reactive comedy”—responding in real time to major news events—remains a key reason why audiences tune in week after week.
Peacock streaming ensures that viewers can watch full episodes on demand, while the “Weekend Update” segment often extends the night’s political humor into even more topical territory. As the mayoral race unfolds, expect SNL to mine new angles and characters for laughs and insight.
Audience Response and SNL’s Staying Power
The NYC mayoral debate cold open sparked a debate online: Was this SNL’s best sketch of the season? Many viewers think so, pointing to the “perfect storm” of sharp political timing, expert casting, and standout performances. The episode’s success is a testament to SNL’s ability to remain both relevant and entertaining, even as the news cycle grows ever more unpredictable.
Miles Teller’s hosting stint is likely to be remembered as a highlight, with his portrayal of Cuomo setting a new bar for celebrity guests. Meanwhile, James Austin Johnson’s Trump continues to be a draw for audiences seeking both satire and a touch of the unexpected.
Will SNL maintain its momentum as the season progresses? If this cold open is any indication, the show’s blend of timely comedy and cultural commentary remains as sharp as ever.
In a year when political theater has often felt indistinguishable from actual entertainment, SNL’s cold open managed to distill the chaos, humor, and unpredictability of the NYC mayoral race into a single, viral moment. By blending real issues with absurdist wit and memorable impersonations, the sketch stands as both a reflection of the times and a reminder of satire’s enduring power in American culture.