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Articles by Dave Itzkoff
Bad Boys Mean Bad Words When Shane Gillis Hosts ‘S.N.L.’
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. Bad Boys Mean Bad Words When Shane Gillis Hosts ‘S.N.L.’ Colin Jost returned as Pete Hegseth in a “Saturday Night Live” broadcast that was overshadowed by Gillis’s use of an obscene word in a Dr. Seuss sketch.
‘S.N.L.’ Offers Last-Minute Promo Help to Trump and Hegseth
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. ‘S.N.L.’ Offers Last-Minute Promo Help to Trump and Hegseth Taylor Swift made a surprise cameo during the opening monologue of Dakota Johnson, who was hosting “Saturday Night Live” this weekend with the musical guest Turnstile.
‘S.N.L.’ Season Premiere: Buckets of Rain, With Jalen Brunson Reigning
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. ‘S.N.L.’ Season Premiere: Buckets of Rain, With Jalen Brunson Reigning Brunson, captain of the N.B.A. champion New York Knicks, hosted a “Saturday Night Live” show that satirized President Trump’s recent visit to Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
‘S.N.L.’ Season Premiere: Buckets of Rain, With Jalen Brunson Reigning
‘S.N.L.’ Season Premiere: Buckets of Rain, With Jalen Brunson Reigning Brunson, captain of the N.B.A. champion New York Knicks, hosted a “Saturday Night Live” show that satirized President Trump’s recent visit to Mayor Zohran Mamdani. A somewhat bedraggled Natalie Harp (Ashley Padilla) introduces herself to Mayor Zohran Mamdani (Ramy Youssef), telling him and President Trump (James Austin Johnson) that she had walked to New York from Washington.Credit...NBC Universal, via YouTube Sept.
‘S.N.L.’ Season Premiere: Buckets of Rain, With Jalen Brunson Reigning
Now Early fans of Thom Browne may recall his first-ever runway show in 2005. It saw two indie rock groups, competing in a haute take on a “battle of the bands” on the third floor of Bergdorf Goodman’s menswear store. Thursday night’s scene at the Lotos Club on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, celebrating …
James Austin Johnson Is More Than Just Trump
It is likely impossible to have a conversation with James Austin Johnson that does not eventually touch upon the American South. Johnson, the “Saturday Night Live” star, was born and raised in Nashville, and he reflects often on how the unique conditions of the South forged not only him but also many quintessential elements of the American character as well.
In 'American Hostage,' Jon Hamm explores why those who feel voiceless turn to violence
A solitary man believes he's been wronged by a vast, overarching system. Feeling helpless to take it on directly, he picks up a gun and violently confronts the most powerful person he can think of who embodies his grievance. It is a chilling dynamic that keeps repeating itself in American culture, and one at the heart of "American Hostage," a dramatic miniseries making its debut Sunday on MGM+.
In 'American Hostage,' Jon Hamm explores why those who feel voiceless turn to violence
A solitary man believes he’s been wronged by a vast, overarching system. Feeling helpless to take it on directly, he picks up a gun and violently confronts the most powerful person he can think of who embodies his grievance. It is a chilling dynamic that keeps repeating itself in American culture, and one at the heart of “American Hostage,” a dramatic miniseries making its debut Sunday on MGM+.
The Best of ‘S.N.L.’ Season 51: Sensitive Strippers and Regretful Moms
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. The Best of ‘S.N.L.’ Season 51: Sensitive Strippers and Regretful Moms This season “Saturday Night Live” found new ways to satirize the Trump administration and said goodbye to one of its most valuable cast members.
The Best of 'SNL' Season 51: Sensitive Strippers and Regretful Moms
By trying to do a little less this season, "Saturday Night Live" arguably did its job better. During its 50th season, with all the hoopla surrounding its golden anniversary, the mother ship "SNL" program could sometimes feel like an afterthought, overshadowed by all the celebratory specials and its own history. This year, in Season 51, with none of those distractions to worry about, "SNL" got back to the bits, characters and talent that make it what it is.
The Best of ‘S.N.L.’ Season 51: Sensitive Strippers and Regretful Moms
2 days ago HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series has yet to air — the show premieres in December — but the creative team is already undergoing its first major recasting. According to a report from Deadline, actress Gracie Cochrane will not return as Ginny Weasley in season 2 of the series “due to unforeseen …
What the Dickens? Will Ferrell Plays Ghost of Epstein on 'SNL' Season Finale
It's not even close to the Yuletide, but when Will Ferrell hosts "Saturday Night Live" and Paul McCartney appears as the musical guest, that's occasion enough to pay homage to "A Christmas Carol." This weekend's "SNL" opened with a parody of the classic Charles Dickens novella -- only this time it was President Donald Trump, played by his longtime impersonator James Austin Johnson, getting a visitation from the ghost of Jeffrey Epstein, played by Ferrell.
What the Dickens? Will Ferrell Plays Ghost of Epstein on ‘S.N.L.’ Season Finale
What the Dickens? Will Ferrell Plays Ghost of Epstein on ‘S.N.L.’ Season Finale Ferrell, the “Saturday Night Live” alum, appears with James Austin Johnson as President Trump in a sendup of “A Christmas Carol.” Paul McCartney provides the music.
On ‘S.N.L.’, Brett Kavanaugh, Kash Patel and Pete Hegseth Walk Into a Bar
Tucker Carlson on ‘SNL’ Critiques the Met Gala and Slams the ‘Michael’ Movie for Ignoring ‘The Part When He Was a White Man’ What are we doing? Come on. Is this who we are now? “Saturday Night Live” featured player Jeremy Culhane once again showed up on “Weekend Update” in …
On ‘S.N.L.’, Brett Kavanaugh, Kash Patel and Pete Hegseth Walk Into a Bar
On ‘S.N.L.’, Brett Kavanaugh, Kash Patel and Pete Hegseth Walk Into a Bar Matt Damon and Aziz Ansari return to roles they have played on “Saturday Night Live” alongside Colin Jost, in an episode hosted by Damon. Brett M. Kavanaugh (Matt Damon), center, flanked by Pete Hegseth (Colin Jost) and Kash Patel (Aziz Ansari), celebrate their achievements, including starting a war, reversing Roe v.
On 'SNL', Brett Kavanaugh, Kash Patel and Pete Hegseth Walk Into a Bar
For Matt Damon, it's been nearly eight years since his surprise appearance in a 2018 "Saturday Night Live" opening sketch where he gave a memorable (and petulant) impersonation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who was then in the midst of his confirmation hearings for the Supreme Court. For Aziz Ansari, it's been only one week since he popped up at the start of an "SNL" broadcast to play FBI Director Kash Patel.
The Sun Sets on ‘Jersey Shore.’ For Now, Anyway. Original
One warm March afternoon, Jenni Farley sat on a lawn chair in a park in Holmdel, N.J., watching her son, Greyson, play soccer. When her children encounter a reality star from a different franchise, Farley said, “They will be like, ‘Oh my God, they’re so famous.’ I’m like, ‘I have the same job.’ And deadpan, to my face, they’re like: ‘Naah.
'SNL' Recruits Aziz Ansari to Play FBI Director Kash Patel
FBI Director Kash Patel may or may not be a personnel problem for the White House. But he does present a challenge for "Saturday Night Live," where there are no cast members of Indian descent to impersonate him. So this weekend, "SNL" dug deep into its celebrity Rolodex to recruit Aziz Ansari, the "Parks and Recreation" alumnus, to play the embattled Patel in its opening sketch.
‘S.N.L.’ Recruits Aziz Ansari to Play F.B.I. Director Kash Patel
‘S.N.L.’ Recruits Aziz Ansari to Play F.B.I. Director Kash Patel Ansari, the “Parks and Recreation” alum, made his first appearance on “Saturday Night Live” in nearly a decade, portraying Patel in an episode hosted by Olivia Rodrigo. Aziz Ansari, as Kash Patel, the F.B.I. director, addresses a press briefing in the “Saturday Night Live” cold open this week.
On 'SNL,' Trump Makes 'Urgent' Calls (Like, to Tiger Woods)
It's been one whole month (including a two-week hiatus) since James Austin Johnson last played President Donald Trump in an opening sketch on "Saturday Night Live," so what the heck: That's enough time to bring him back. kAm%9:D H66<6?5VD Q%'\$}{Q 3C@2542DE[ 9@DE65 3J r@=>2? s@>:?8@ 2?5 762EFC:?8 >FD:42= 8F6DE p?:EE2[ =65 H:E9 y@9?D@? 2D %CF>A :? E96 ~G2= ~77:46[ 5C27E:?8 2 ?@H\?@E@C:@FD D@4:2= >65:2 A@DE :? H9:49 96 FD65 @3D46?6 =2?8F286 E@ E9C62E6?
On ‘S.N.L.,’ Trump Makes ‘Urgent’ Calls (Like, to Tiger Woods)
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. “Saturday Night Live” also satirized the Artemis II space mission in an episode hosted by Colman Domingo, while “S.N.L. UK” joined in lampooning Melania Trump.
On ‘S.N.L.,’ Bondi Boasts of Being ‘First Woman Ever Fired as Attorney General’
Like finding a stray onion ring in your French fries, it can be a little odd when “Saturday Night Live” uses its opening sketch to satirize sports coverage on TV. But hang in there, because this one still has some topical bite. This weekend’s “S.N.L.” broadcast, hosted by Jack Black and featuring the musical guest Jack White, began with a sketch inspired by comments that Charles Barkley made last Sunday on a CBS broadcast of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
On 'SNL,' Bondi Boasts of Being 'First Woman Ever Fired as Attorney General'
Like finding a stray onion ring in your french fries, it can be a little odd when "Saturday Night Live" uses its opening sketch to satirize sports coverage on TV. But hang in there, because this one still has some topical bite. kAm%9:D A2DE H66<6?5VD Q$}{Q 3C@2542DE[ 9@DE65 3J y24< q=24< 2?5 762EFC:?8 >FD:42= 8F6DE y24< (9:E6[ 3682? H:E9 2 D<6E49 :?DA:C65 3J 4@>>6?ED E92E r92C=6D q2C<=6J >256 @? 2 C646?E rq$ 3C@2542DE @7 E96 }rpp >6?VD 32D<6E32== E@FC?2>6?E] Wu@==@H:?8 2 D68>6?E @?
Dan Levy wanted to explore family trauma and dysfunction. So he made 'Big Mistakes' Original
Taylor Ortega, Dan Levy and Laurie Metcalf, the stars of Netflix's new series "Big Mistakes," photographed in New York in March. (David Urbanke / For The Times) You might wonder what Dan Levy has been up to in the six years since bidding farewell to “Schitt’s Creek,” the beloved, acerbic comedy series he co-created and co-starred in with his father, Eugene Levy. And the answer is, he’s turned to a life of crime.
Why Are We in Iran? On 'SNL,' Pete Hegseth Has the Answer: 'I Don't Know'
Comedy duos are a long-standing "Saturday Night Live" tradition, whether it's Steve Martin and Dan Aykroyd as the wild and crazy Festrunk brothers; Mike Myers and Dana Carvey as the basement broadcasters Wayne and Garth; or Tina Fey and Amy Poehler as the Weekend Update co-anchors. Now in its 51st season, "SNL" has found an unlikely pairing in James Austin Johnson and Colin Jost, playing President Donald Trump and his defense secretary, Pete Hegseth. kAm%9:D E@A:42= EH@D@>6 H2D 324< :?
Why Are We in Iran? On ‘S.N.L.’, Pete Hegseth Has the Answer: ‘I Don’t Know’ Original
Comedy duos are a longstanding “Saturday Night Live” tradition, whether it’s Steve Martin and Dan Aykroyd as the wild and crazy Festrunk brothers; Mike Myers and Dana Carvey as the basement broadcasters Wayne and Garth; or Tina Fey and Amy Poehler as the Weekend Update co-anchors. Now in its 51st season, “S.N.L.” has found an unlikely pairing in James Austin Johnson and Colin Jost, playing President Trump and his defense secretary, Pete Hegseth.
On ‘S.N.L.’, Pete Hegseth Says Iran ‘Isn’t a War, It’s a Situationship’
5 hours ago Last night, the show made the host, Ryan Gosling, break character—on purpose. Near the end of last night’s episode of Saturday Night Live, something unusual happened. As Ashley Padilla, playing a painfully square high-school teacher named Ms. Perry, intercepted a note from one of her students, a …
On ‘S.N.L.’, Pete Hegseth Says Iran ‘Isn’t a War, It’s a Situationship’ Original
It’s a fickle and competitive environment playing the members of the Trump administration in the opening sketches on “Saturday Night Live.” James Austin Johnson’s familiar impression of President Trump was out — at least for this week. In his place and on the ascent was the longtime Weekend Update co-anchor Colin Jost, in his own recurring role as the defense secretary, Pete Hegseth.
On 'SNL', Actor Playing Hegseth Says Iran 'Isn't a War, It's a Situationship'
It's a fickle and competitive environment playing the members of the Trump administration in the opening sketches on "Saturday Night Live." James Austin Johnson's familiar impression of President Donald Trump was out -- at least for this week. In his place and on the ascent was longtime Weekend Update co-anchor Colin Jost, in his own recurring role as the defense secretary, Pete Hegseth. kAm%9:D H66<6?5VD Q$}{Q 3C@2542DE W9@DE65 3J #J2? v@D=:?8 2?5 762EFC:?8 >FD:42= 8F6DE v@C:==2KX 3682?
On 'SNL,' the President Wishes All Who Celebrate a 'Happy World War III'
"Saturday Night Live" has shown some occasional hesitation this season about commenting on breaking news events that occurred on the day of a live broadcast. But the sketch show did not hesitate to weigh in on Saturday's start of coordinated United States and Israeli military attacks against Iran. kAm%9:D H66<6?5VD 6A:D@56 3682? H:E9 2 D6?5\FA @7 !C6D:56?E s@?2=5 %CF>AVD G:56@ 2??@F?46>6?E :? H9:49 96 D2:5 E92E >2;@C 4@>32E @A6C2E:@?D :? xC2? 925 368F?]k^Am kAmy2>6D pFDE:? y@9?D@?[ :?
Connor Storrie Hosts “S.N.L.,” and His “Heated Rivalry” Love Makes a Cameo
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. On ‘S.N.L.,’ the President Wishes All Who Celebrate a ‘Happy World War III’ With Connor Storrie of “Heated Rivalry” hosting, this weekend’s “Saturday Night Live” featured cameos by U.S. Olympic hockey stars.
On 'SNL,' Tom Homan's Advice to ICE: 'Don't Get Filmed'
"Saturday Night Live" was criticized last week for barely addressing the shooting of Alex Pretti, who was killed by federal agents in Minneapolis just hours before the show. Instead, "SNL" opened with a blithely satirical sketch that, as had been the norm, featured James Austin Johnson in his recurring role as President Donald Trump. kAm%92E >2J AC@G:56 4@?E6IE 7@C E96 D<6E49 E92E =65 @77 E9:D H66<6?5VD 3C@2542DE[ H9:49 H2D D6E :?
On ‘S.N.L.,’ Tom Homan’s Advice to ICE: ‘Don’t Get Filmed’
11 hours ago Pete Davidson returned to "Saturday Night Live" and addressed the ongoing political turmoil surrounding immigration in the show's cold open. The former cast member returned to play White House border czar Tom Homan in a sketch tackling the political unrest happening in Minneapolis. President Donald …
On ‘S.N.L.,’ Tom Homan’s Advice to ICE: ‘Don’t Get Filmed’
SKIP ADVERTISEMENT You have been granted access, use your keyboard to continue reading. “Saturday Night Live” was criticized last week for barely addressing the shooting of Alex Pretti, who was killed by federal agents in Minneapolis just hours before the show. Instead, “S.N.L.” opened with a blithely satirical sketch that, as has been the norm lately, featured James Austin Johnson in his recurring role as President Trump.
'SNL': The Big Winner of the First Trump Awards? Guess Who.
After a week in which the Golden Globe Awards were given out and the Academy Award nominations were announced, why can't the president of the United States bestow a few trophies of his own? kAm%9:D H66<6?5VD 3C@2542DE @7 Q$2EFC52J }:89E {:G6Q 3682? H:E9 :ED @H? 2H2C5D\D9@H A2C@5J[ E96 7:CDE 2??F2= %CF>AD[ H9:49[ 2D 2? 2??@F?46C 6IA=2:?65[ H6C6 QE96 2H2C5D 9@?@C:?8 E96 36DE :? 36:?8[ @C DF44F>3:?8 E@[ !C6D:56?E %CF>A]Qk^Am kAm%96 46C6>@?J H2D 9@DE65 3J y2>6D pFDE:? y@9?D@? :?
S.N.L.: The Big Winner of the First Trump Awards? Guess Who Original
SKIP ADVERTISEMENT You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. After a week in which the Golden Globe Awards were given out and the Academy Award nominations were announced, why can’t the president of the United States bestow a few trophies of his own?
Marcello Hernández puede con sus detractores
Cuando te ven en Saturday Night Live casi todas las semanas, como le ocurre a Marcello Hernández, es normal que atraigas a unos cuantos detractores. A algunos no les gusta que tu personaje revelación, Domingo, aparezca en el segmento de apertura del programa. Algunos se quejan cuando imitas a un blanco con un acento exageradamente tonto, y otros refunfuñan cuando tu diálogo es en español.
Marcello Hernández puede con sus detractores
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. Credit... Supported by SKIP ADVERTISEMENT 24 de enero de 2026 Read in English Cuando te ven en Saturday Night Live casi todas las semanas, como le ocurre a Marcello Hernández, es normal que atraigas a unos cuantos detractores. A algunos no les gusta que tu personaje revelación, Domingo, aparezca en el segmento de apertura del programa.
On 'SNL,' Trump Recaps His Recent 'Legal-ish' Activities
Since the start of the new year, there's been way too much news for even "Saturday Night Live" to process, so there was only one way to address it all: a recap by President Donald Trump and the members of his Cabinet. kAm%96 7:CDE ?6H Q$}{Q 3C@2542DE @7 a_ae[ 9@DE65 3J u:?? (@=792C5 2?5 762EFC:?8 >FD:42= 8F6DE p$p! #@4<J[ =65 @77 :? 72>:=:2C 72D9:@? H:E9 y2>6D pFDE:? y@9?D@?
On ‘S.N.L.,’ Trump Recaps his Recent ‘Legal-ish’ Activities Original
SKIP ADVERTISEMENT You have been granted access, use your keyboard to continue reading. Since the start of the new year, there’s been way too much news for even “Saturday Night Live” to process, so there was only one way to address it all: a recap by President Trump and the members of his cabinet.
A charming fish-out-of-water comedy
View in browser|nytimes.com December 29, 2025 A charming fish-out-of-water comedy Michael Potts, left, and Josh Charles in a scene from “Best Medicine.” Francisco Roman/Fox By Esther Zuckerman Dear Watchers, Plunging big-city folks into a quirky small-town setting is a staple of television comedy, a formula that worked as well for “Schitt’s Creek” as it did for “Northern Exposure.” Now it comes to Fox with the charming hourlong dramatic comedy “Best Medicine,” premiering on Sunday at 8 p.m....
Marcello Hernández Can Handle the Haters
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. Credit... Supported by SKIP ADVERTISEMENT Listen to this article · 8:52 min Learn more Dec. 27, 2025 When you are seen on “Saturday Night Live” nearly every week, as Marcello Hernández is, you are bound to attract a few haters. Some don’t like it when your breakout character, Domingo, appears in the opening sketch of the show.
He's Laughing Off All of the Haters
When you are seen on "Saturday Night Live" nearly every week, as Marcello Hernández is, you are bound to attract a few haters. kAm$@>6 5@?VE =:<6 :E H96? J@FC 3C62<@FE 492C24E6C[ s@>:?8@[ 2AA62CD :? E96 @A6?:?8 D<6E49 @7 E96 D9@H] $@>6 8C:A6 H96? J@F :>:E2E6 2 H9:E6 8FJ H:E9 2? 6I2886C2E65=J 5@C<J 2446?E[ 2?5 @E96CD 8CF>3=6 H96? J@FC 5:2=@8F6 :D :? $A2?:D9]k^Am kAmp?5 H9@ <?@HD 9@H 2?J @7 E96D6 G:6H6CD H:== C624E H96? w6C?á?56K E6==D E96>[ :?
Bowen Yang Sings His Swan Song on 'SNL'
Some of the most memorable farewells to "Saturday Night Live" cast members over the years have been musical ones: Kristen Wiig got Mick Jagger and Arcade Fire to play "She's a Rainbow" and "Ruby Tuesday" to her on her final episode in 2012, and Cecily Strong shared a duet of "Blue Christmas" with Austin Butler when she departed in 2022. kAm%9:D A2DE H66<6?5[ q@H6? *2?8 5:5 >@DE @7 E96 D:?8:?8 2E 9:D @H? 56A2CEFC6[ =625:?8 2 3:EE6CDH66E 4@G6C @7 Q!=62D6 r@>6 w@>6 7@C r9C:DE>2DQ :?
On ‘S.N.L.’: Bowen Yang’s Farewell and Ariana Grande
SKIP ADVERTISEMENT You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. Some of the most memorable farewells to “Saturday Night Live” cast members over the years have been musical ones: Kristen Wiig got Mick Jagger and Arcade Fire to play “She’s a Rainbow” and “Ruby Tuesday” to her on her final episode in 2012, and Cecily Strong shared a duet of “Blue Christmas” with Austin Butler when she departed in 2022.
On 'Saturday Night Live,' President Trump Blows Up a Familiar Sleigh
If Germany were invaded, just 38% of its citizens would be willing to fight for their country, according to a recent poll. Fifty-nine percent …
On ‘Saturday Night Live,’ President Trump Blows Up a Familiar Sleigh
SKIP ADVERTISEMENT You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. Does “Saturday Night Live” even need a premise for James Austin Johnson to play President Trump in its opening sketch anymore?
Colin Jost Plays Pete Hegseth on ‘S.N.L.’ to Explain ‘Operation Kill Everybody’
SKIP ADVERTISEMENT You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. As a Weekend Update anchor, Colin Jost doesn’t frequently appear in the sketches on “Saturday Night Live.” So when he gets the rare opportunity to play someone other than himself, he comes on brimming with pent-up energy, a quality that suited him especially well to play Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the start of this weekend’s show.
Colin Jost Plays Pete Hegseth on ‘S.N.L.’ to Explain ‘Operation Kill Everybody’
Melissa McCarthy Kicks Off ‘SNL’ With Festive Monologue as She’s Toppled by a Snowstorm The two-time Oscar nominee served as one of the final hosts of 'SNL' in 2025, with Josh O’Connor and Ariana Grande slated to lead the next finale two …
Epstein Files Dominate “S.N.L.,” With the Help of Will Forte’s MacGruber Original
At this point, the defining question of any “Saturday Night Live” opening sketch is, when will James Austin Johnson interrupt it in his role as President Trump? In this week’s broadcast, hosted by Glen Powell and featuring the musical guest Olivia Dean, that question was answered with a slight twist when Johnson burst in on a White House press briefing that was supposed to quell renewed scrutiny of Trump’s friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.
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