Colin Jost Steals the Spotlight in SNL Cold Open with Satirical Take on Military Rhetoric and Trump’s Warning to Late-Night TV
Saturday Night Live kicked off its 51st season with a daring snl cold open that immediately set the tone for a politically charged season. The segment featured Colin Jost stepping out of his usual Weekend Update role to deliver a biting parody that mixed military bravado, media satire, and a surprise cameo from Donald Trump — a moment that left viewers buzzing across social media.
Colin Jost’s Bold Performance Opens SNL’s New Season
The new season’s snl cold open began with Colin Jost portraying former Fox News host Pete Hegseth in a caricatured military setting. His exaggerated “Secretary of War” speech mocked over-the-top nationalism and modern political posturing, all while poking fun at real-world debates about the military’s image.
Jost’s performance combined sharp timing with an overconfident swagger, turning the moment into a satire of toxic masculinity in politics. In his mock address, he delivered overblown remarks about how “America needs stronger soldiers” and joked about absurd recruitment standards — a clear jab at performative patriotism.
This return to direct political humor reminded many fans of SNL’s golden years, where its cold opens didn’t shy away from controversy.
Trump’s Surprise Entrance: “Daddy’s Watching”
Midway through the cold open, James Austin Johnson reprised his popular Donald Trump impersonation, cutting into Jost’s speech with a scene that blurred the line between fiction and reality. Trump interrupted to criticize SNL and mock late-night comedians, jokingly accusing them of being part of a “liberal attack on television.”
At one point, the Trump character asked why Colin Jost wasn’t performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, before issuing a chillingly humorous threat: “Daddy’s watching.”
The moment sparked instant reactions online, with fans debating whether the sketch was pushing boundaries or reclaiming the edge SNL has sometimes lost. It also mirrored Trump’s real-life clashes with SNL and late-night hosts, who have long been targets of his criticism.
Cast Updates: Colin Jost and Michael Che Return to Weekend Update
Beyond the cold open, the episode confirmed that Colin Jost and Michael Che are officially returning to anchor Weekend Update for Season 51. Scarlett Johansson, Jost’s wife, recently hinted that he had renewed his commitment to the show despite a wave of cast changes.
Here’s a quick look at what’s known so far about the new SNL season:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Season | 51 |
| Returning Cast | Colin Jost, Michael Che, Bowen Yang, Ego Nwodim |
| Departures | Several veteran cast members left ahead of the premiere |
| Premiere Guest Host | Bad Bunny |
| Sketch Focus | Politics, pop culture, and entertainment media |
This mix of stability and new energy signals that SNL is preparing to explore bold creative directions while keeping its fan-favorite anchors in place.
Why the SNL Cold Open Matters This Season
The snl cold open served as both entertainment and commentary — a layered performance that captured the tensions of American media and politics. It highlighted how SNL continues to evolve its satire, moving beyond traditional sketches to mirror the absurdities of real news cycles.
What makes this episode stand out is its willingness to merge humor with unease. Colin Jost’s portrayal didn’t just aim for laughs; it reflected the growing discomfort with how politics, media, and celebrity often blend in modern America.
By addressing both military machismo and Trump’s public feuds in a single sketch, SNL set the stage for a season that promises sharp social insight along with laughs — a balance that’s made the show iconic for nearly five decades.
