Ryan Gosling, who stars in the upcoming film Blade Runner 2049, is the host for Season 43 premiere of SNL. He’s joined by musical guest Jay Z, where the pair have hyped up the episode with some awkward promos – one that features Hov looking at Ryan blankly while the other he’s cracking a smile.
SNL has utilized today’s political turmoil for some memorable cold opens. The majority of them have been impersonating President Donald Trump, executed by the talented Alec Baldwin, and parodying whatever crazy thing he's done that's making headlines. There’s also Melissa McCarthy’s portrayal of former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer that nearly broke the internet every time she made a surprise appearance. And you can't forget about the time SNL mocked MSNBC morning personalities Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski for hiding their affection from the public.
For tonight’s cold open, Baldwin reprises his role as Trump, and nails it once again. The skit opens with Baldwin’s Trump at the White House returning from another weekend of golf in Bedminster, New Jersey. With his press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Trump accepts a phone call from Puerto Rican Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz who is asking for help from the U.S. in response to the damages done by Hurricane Maria.
“Wow, that woman was so nasty,” Trump says after Cruz pleads politely for America's assistance.
The skit later addresses Trump’s handling of NFL players kneeling during national anthem and declaring war against North Korea and Rocket Man (a.k.a. Kim Jong-un). To everyone’s delight, Kate McKinnon returns as Jeff Sessions for a funny (albeit awkward) exchange. You can watch it above.
