Lorne Michaels Teases Star-Studded 50th Season of 'SNL' with Political Satire Ahead of Midterm Elections

As the iconic sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live" prepares to embark on its historic 50th season, creator Lorne Michaels has revealed plans to bring back beloved former cast members to celebrate the milestone. With the upcoming midterm elections looming, Michaels sees the political landscape as an opportunity to invite these familiar faces back to Studio 8H, where they will undoubtedly bring their unique brand of satirical humor to the forefront.

Reviving Political Parody for a New Era

Welcoming Back SNL Alums

Michaels has confirmed that former cast member Maya Rudolph will return to portray Vice President Kamala Harris, a role she has taken on with great success in the past. Additionally, the legendary Steve Martin is set to make an appearance this season, though he will not be reprising the role of Harris' running mate, Tim Walz, despite calls from fans on the internet.

Reinventing the Trump Impression

As for who will take on the task of portraying former President Donald Trump, Michaels remained coy, stopping short of confirming whether Alec Baldwin, the actor who has become synonymous with the role, will return. However, Michaels did reveal that cast member James Austin Johnson, who has also impersonated the former president, "will be there" in some capacity.

Adapting to a Changing Political Landscape

Michaels acknowledged that the Trump character has "morphed" and that the show will need to "reinvent it again" to keep up with the ever-evolving political landscape. "You can't come back with the same show," he said, emphasizing the need to "reexamine" all of the political characters featured on the show.

Striking a Balance Between Comedy and Commentary

Michaels emphasized that "SNL" is, first and foremost, a comedy show, and that the goal is to find levity in the divisive world of politics rather than to lecture the audience. "You can't lecture the audience, which most of politics is now, people lecturing the audience. Ours is like, 'Yeah, there are kind of idiots on both sides,'" he said, underscoring the show's approach to political satire.

Celebrating 50 Seasons of Iconic Sketches

As "SNL" prepares to kick off its 50th season on September 28, Michaels is excited to welcome back familiar faces and reinvent the show's political impersonations. With the midterm elections looming, the stage is set for a season filled with the kind of sharp-witted, unapologetic humor that has made "Saturday Night Live" a cultural institution for decades.