'SNL' spoofs Trump and Mamdani bromance, skewers Natalie Harp
USA Today • • entertainment
Key Points:
- "Saturday Night Live" returned for its 52nd season on Sept. 26, hosted by New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson with musical guest Katseye, featuring a cold open centered on the unlikely friendship between President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
- The sketch included Ramy Youssef as Mamdani and James Austin Johnson as Trump, humorously highlighting Trump's recent controversial actions and his new hair color.
- New cast members Saidah Belo-Osagie and Grace Reiter joined the largely intact Season 51 cast, while Chloe Fineman and Martin Herlihy departed over the summer.
- The season premiere kicks off a three-week streak of episodes, with Dakota Johnson hosting on Oct. 3 and Shane Gillis on Oct. 10, accompanied by musical guests Turnstile and Rosalía respectively.
- Colin Jost and Michael Che continue their roles as anchors of "Weekend Update," and all five newcomers from 2025 returned for their second season.
