Talarico mocks fundraising texts on SNL cold open

James Talarico, the newly elected Texas senator, appeared in the cold open of Saturday Night Live on Saturday. He joined the sketch to deliver a complaint about the show's reliance on Donald Trump freeze-frames. The episode marked the first broadcast since the midterm elections. The studio audience cheered as Talarico entered the scene near the conclusion of the bit.

Talarico adopted the persona of a persistent fundraiser. He told the character played by James Austin Johnson that he had been texting viewers daily for five dollars. Johnson’s Trump responded by asking who could blame him in the current economy. Talarico then argued that the two leaders could work together to improve conditions for average Americans. He stated that people want something new and different from the current format.

The senator specifically questioned how many more Trump freeze-frames the show would produce. Johnson’s Trump answered that the number would be infinite. The appearance served as a direct comment on the show's recurring device of pausing the action for the president to weigh in on current events.

The sketch also featured Sarah Sherman as Chuck Schumer and Kenan Thompson as Hakeem Jeffries. Their characters celebrated a blue wave while ignoring calls for younger Democrats to take leadership roles. Trump’s character claimed the Democrats won due to a poor economy and a war. He referenced a character from Moana to say he was welcome for the results.

A J.D. Vance character appeared to declare that the era of Vance had begun. Trump rejected this, asking who Vance was. The sketch included a segment where Trump described accepting election results as almost scarier than calling them rigged. He also discussed plans for a ballroom and compared his political situation to the sitcom New Girl.

Colin Jost appeared as Pete Hegseth, claiming he lives a YOLO lifestyle and would keep losing unless Congress impeached him. He stated he had to leave to weigh female soldiers. The episode featured Druski, whose real name is Drew Desbordes, as the host. He became the first online content creator to host the series. The Strokes provided the musical performance.

The Halloween episode hosted by Inde Navarrette drew 5.2 million viewers, the season high. Previous hosts included Jalen Brunson, Dakota Johnson, and Shane Gillis. John Mulaney is scheduled to host the November 14 episode with Phoebe Bridgers as the musical guest.