SNL cold open tackles Rittenhouse verdict, Biden colonoscopy
The Kyle Rittenhouse verdict took center stage in last night's Saturday Night Live cold open.
Cecily Strong, playing Fox News host Judge Jeanine Pirro, began by describing Rittenhouse as a "lovable scamp." Mikey Day then joined the show as Judge Bruce Schroeder. Day referred to Rittenhouse as "my client," mocking what some have perceived as the judge's bias toward the now-acquitted Rittenhouse. Next up were a pair of progressive legal analysts played by Chloe Fineman and Chris Redd. Fineman, who is white, called the verdict "a call to finally change the system," while Redd, who is Black, quipped that the "call" would likely "go right to voicemail."
Strong also poked fun at House Minority leader Kevin McCarthy's (R-Calif.) marathon speech in opposition to the Build Back Better bill and blasted President Biden's recent colonoscopy as "socialized butt play paid for by your tax dollars."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
James Austin Johnson rounded out the open with an appearance as former President Donald Trump. Strong-as-Pirro told Johnson-as-Trump that she planned to just "let you riff," and Johnson obliged, launching into a free-associative monologue that touched on everything from the Gossip Girl reboot to the 2024 election.
Touting his superiority to Biden on infrastructure policy, Johnson-as-Trump insisted that his wall-building expertise was easily transferrable. "When you put wall down through a grassy field, okay, frankly, that's road. And if you take wall and lay it across a river, frankly, Jeanie, we're doing bridge," he said, eliciting a hearty laugh from the studio audience.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Grayson Quay was the weekend editor at TheWeek.com. His writing has also been published in National Review, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Modern Age, The American Conservative, The Spectator World, and other outlets. Grayson earned his M.A. from Georgetown University in 2019.
-
5 sleeper hit cartoons about Trump's struggles to stay awake in court
Cartoons Artists take on courtroom tranquility, war on wokeness, and more
By The Week US Published
-
The true story of Feud: Capote vs. The Swans
In depth The writer's fall from grace with his high-flying socialite friends in 1960s Manhattan is captured in a new Disney+ series
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
Scottie Scheffler: victory for the 'pre-eminent golfer of this era'
Why Everyone's Talking About Masters victory is Scheffler's second in three years
By The Week Staff Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
The remarkable comedy of Julio Torres
The Explainer His latest endeavor, "Problemista," continues his peerless artistic run
By Scott Hocker, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
Unpasteurised milk and the American right
Under the radar Former darling of health-conscious liberal foodies is now a 'conservative culture war signal': a sign of mistrust in experts
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published