Amy Poehler hosted Saturday Night Live for the first time in 15 years, bringing her signature wit and absurdity to the show. In the cold open, she played Attorney General Pam Bondi, testifying before a Senate judiciary committee and delivering biting insults to senators (“Your ass out here sounding like a Pokémon”). The sketch was on point, with Tina Fey’s characterization of Kristi Noem as a mean girl cabinet member being particularly memorable.
During her monologue, Poehler celebrated the 50th anniversary of SNL’s debut, poking fun at herself and her own podcasting endeavors. She also showcased her impressive range in sketches like Miss Lycus, the Fast Psychic, where she played a clairvoyant host who rapidly fired off answers, and a pregnant corporate manager giving birth to a fully grown businessman.
The show featured a mix of familiar faces and newcomers, including guest hosts Rhonda LaCenzo (Sarah Sherman) and Grant (Marcello Hernández) and Melissa (Jane Wickline). The Weekend Update segment tackled topics like the Middle East ceasefire and federal invasion of Chicago, with Colin Jost delivering his signature wit.
A standout moment came during a joke-off between Poehler, Fey, Seth Meyers, and her former Update co-hosts, where she brought on Fey and Seth to even the odds. This was a great treat for fans of Update.
The show also featured cameos from musical guest Role Model, who surprised Charli xcx with a quick shimmy, and attorneys Billson & Lieberman, whose rivalry turned into a hilarious game of senior one-upmanship.
Overall, this episode was a solid performance by Poehler, showcasing her signature absurdity and wit. While some sketches felt rushed or forgettable, the show’s overall energy and humor made for an enjoyable night of comedy.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/oct/12/saturday-night-live-amy-poehler-tina-fey