SNL Cold Open: Talarico Questions Trump Frame Freeze
The newly elected Texas senator interrupted the sketch to ask how long the recurring gag will last, while Druski made history as the first online creator to host.
By Anthony Foster ·
James Talarico, a newly elected Texas senator, interrupted the cold open of Saturday Night Live to directly question the show’s recurring use of the 'Donald Trump freezes the action' sketch. He appeared near the end of the segment to audience cheers and asked, 'How many of these Trump freezers are they going to do?' The character played by James Austin Johnson responded with a single word: 'Infinity!'
Talarico introduced himself to the fictional president by saying, 'I’m the guy who’s been texting you every day asking for $5.' The Trump character replied, 'In this economy, who can blame you?' Talarico then argued that working together could make life better for Americans by changing the format of the show's opening sketches.
The episode marked the first broadcast following the midterm elections. Sarah Sherman portrayed Chuck Schumer, and Kenan Thompson played Hakeem Jeffries. The two characters celebrated the Democratic gains, described as a 'blue tsunami,' while refusing to acknowledge that younger Democrats might be ready to take leadership roles.
The Trump character claimed the Democrats only won due to a poor economy and war. He referenced the movie Moana, saying, 'You’re welcome.' He then addressed reports that his era was over, prompting a pop-in from J.D. Vance, played by an uncredited actor or guest, who declared, 'and the era of Vance has just begun!' Trump immediately forgot Vance’s presence, asking, 'Who the hell was that?'
The sketch included a monologue where Trump complained about the next two years. He stated he hated his life and did not want to work with millennials. He then spent time analyzing the television show New Girl, specifically discussing the character Winston and the introduction of a cat in the series.
Colin Jost appeared as Pete Hegseth. The character dismissed the election results and threatened to continue losing unless Congress impeached him. He concluded the segment by saying he had to go weigh female soldiers, adding, 'Peace out, war in.'
Druski, whose real name is Drew Desbordes, served as the host. He became the first online content creator to host the sketch show. The musical guest was The Strokes. The previous episode, hosted by Inde Navarrette, drew 5.2 million viewers, the highest audience for the season. John Mulaney is scheduled to host the November 14 episode, with Phoebe Bridgers as the musical guest.
