Jon Hamm’s Triumphant Return to Saturday Night Live
On April 12, 2025, Saturday Night Live made a lively comeback with its 17th episode of the 50th season. This installment was uniquely special as Jon Hamm hosted the show for the fourth occasion, marking his first appearance in nearly 15 years. The episode kicked off with an engaging cold open featuring James Austin Johnson stepping into the shoes of Donald Trump, delivering a monologue filled with sharp commentary on the latest headlines.
Gary Kroeger’s Praise for Hamm
Reflecting on Hamm’s noteworthy return, former SNL cast member Gary Kroeger remarked on his outstanding performance:
“Jon Hamm was spot-on perfection as the archetypal creative executive. And he has proven great versatility, especially with comedy since. He innately understands that comedy requires a serious frame of mind in order to work,”Gary shared.
A Nostalgic and Humorous Monologue
During his monologue, Hamm humorously revisited his past SNL appearances, playfully mocking the frequent reliance on cameos to enhance segments. This led to a surprise appearance from Kieran Culkin, echoing their ongoing banter from previous encounters. Hamm took the opportunity to jest that Mad Men was “better”than Succession, cheekily requesting Culkin’s Oscar for comical effect.
Sketch Highlights from the Episode
The episode also included a variety of creative sketches, such as Check to Check Business News, Guess! The Correct! Answer!, and a parody titled The White POTUS, inspired by the hit series White Lotus. The Weekend Update segment featured several guest appearances, adding to the comedic richness of the show.
Political Commentary and Social Satire in Sketches
In the sketch Check to Check Business News, Hamm portrayed a clueless news anchor named Kenneth, who provided overly simplistic financial advice, reflecting the confusion many individuals face in today’s economy. This satirical take highlighted how challenging it can be to navigate financial matters in a rapidly changing market.
Another sketch, titled Guess! The Correct! Answer!, had Hamm stepping into the role of a nervous game show contestant whose efforts to dodge viral moments backfired spectacularly, leading to a series of uncomfortable revelations.
The parody The White POTUS reimagined Trump in a luxurious hotel, surrounded by notable guest stars including Chloe Fineman, Scarlett Johansson as Ivanka, and Beck Bennett as Putin. Hamm made a brief yet impactful appearance as RFK Jr., contributing to the sketch’s witty political commentary presented in the signature style of HBO’s White Lotus.
Highlights from Weekend Update
During the Weekend Update segment, Emil Wakim shared humorous insights on life in America as the son of an immigrant, stating:
“New York City is if capitalism was a physical location. There’s an M&M store next to a church,”Emil joked.
Additionally, Sarah Sherman portrayed accountant Dawn Altman, concluding her segment with an unexpected and hilarious twist by breaking through the set wall to reveal a hidden room. Bowen Yang returned as Trade Minister Chen Biao, weighing in on the intricacies of America’s economy.
For fans eager to catch all the laughs from this episode of Saturday Night Live, it is available for viewing on NBC and Peacock.