'Saturday Night Live' kicked off its historic 50th season with political jabs galore, featuring Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris and James Austin Johnson as Trump, proving once again that democracy is the best stage for comedy.

In a lively cold open skewering the absurdities of the current political landscape, 'SNL' showcased a roster of comedic heavyweights tackling everything from presidential debates to running mate antics. With Rudolph quipping about moving forward while Trump wallows in nostalgia, the show not only highlighted the chaos of election season but also reminded viewers that when it comes to politics, laughter might just be our best defense.

The cold open set the tone for the evening, parodying ABC News' 'World News Tonight With David Muir.' As colorful headlines flashed across the screen, the grimness of real-life political coverage was cleverly juxtaposed with the antics of the cast. If nothing else, 'SNL' managed to capture the feeling that watching the news today could rival any soap opera for sheer drama—a sentiment warmly echoed by our long-time watchers.

In a deft display of impersonation, Maya Rudolph returned as Vice President Kamala Harris, embodying the politician with a blend of charm and cheek. Her direct dig at Trump, saying, 'This election is about moving forward. See, Donald Trump is stuck in the past,' illustrates how political discourse has become a battlefield where clever quips are as effective as policy proposals. Rudolph's performance was not just comedic; it was also a sharp reminder that while real-life issues loom large, humor has a unique way of reducing their gravity.

James Austin Johnson made a triumphant return as former President Donald Trump, dutifully embodying the man who still believes he runs the show. Johnson's performance provided juxtaposition against Rudolph's Harris, demonstrating that in politics, as in comedy, timing is everything. The two seemed to dance on the stage of absurdity, each line evoking laughter while challenging narratives that could otherwise be all too dreary.

Jim Gaffigan made his own splash in the political waters, portraying Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who is often seen going toe-to-toe with the likes of Harris on stage. Gaffigan's trademark deadpan humor added an unexpected layer to the farcical nature of the evening. Meanwhile, Bowen Yang brought his comedic flair as Trump's running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, perfectly encapsulating the absurdity of politics as usual. If there was a punchline to be found, Yang was sure to deliver it with a witty grin.

Dana Carvey, a veteran of the 'SNL' family, made a notable appearance reprising his role as President Joe Biden, another layer of nostalgia peppered into the evening's proceedings. The sketch noted that no election cycle would be complete without a nod to Carvey's iconic impressions, providing a sense of continuity amidst the shifting political ideologies. It appears that even the presidency has learned the value of a good impersonation.

The show's host, Jean Smart, escorted viewers through various highlights of the night, easing into sketches with her usual charm. Each segment felt like a masterclass in political satire as characters navigated their rapidly evolving roles, as if every debate and scandal were nothing more than punchlines waiting to land. Musical guest Jelly Roll added a pop culture twist, creating an intermission of sorts between the witty chaos of the sketches.

In the vein of addressing pressing issues, Devon Walker portrayed New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Walker's take on the mayor was cheeky, addressing the swirling legal concerns surrounding Adams with his own blend of levity. Delivering the line about enjoying 'Turkish delight'—a comical nod to allegations against him—was an example of how humor can soften the edges of real-world scrutiny.

Overall, the opening sketch didn’t just present a comedic take but also served to underline the chaotic nature of today’s election cycle. Political satire has a history of cutting through the noise, exposing the ridiculousness that often lies beneath the surface of serious issues. 'SNL' masterfully navigated this landscape, reminding us how laughter can reflect our collective anxieties and uncertainties while simultaneously offering a moment of respite.

'Saturday Night Live' kicked off its historic 50th season, proof that political comedy is not just a pastime but an essential facet of the American experience. With a blend of nostalgia, sharp humor, and clever social commentary, the show delivered an unforgettable start to its golden jubilee season.