7 Ways 'Saturday Night Live' Is Staying Buzzy Before Election Year

Last season, “SNL” celebrated 40 incredible years of existence. Next year, it will have the giant advantage of a presidential election, an event that always draws attention to the show. Seemingly in no-man’s land, the show is staying as hot as ever.

Here are five ways “Saturday Night Live” is maintaining buzz as it bridges the gap between two landmark seasons:

1. Primarily focusing on the primaries
OK, so it’s not 2016, but politics are pretty much all the rage right now — and “SNL” has hosted some of the game‘s biggest players. This weekend, the largest and loudest of them all, Donald Trump, is hosting. On the other side of the coin — and aisle — Hillary Clinton stopped by the season premiere to loosen up her stiff image. Ben Carson even made news simply saying he wouldn’t host “SNL.” Yes, it’s been that kind of year.

Then there are the actual players playing politicians: Taran Killam has handled both the regular Trump duties and the show’s less demanding Martin O’Malley and Rick Santorum needs; Kate McKinnon has been brilliant as Clinton; Kyle Mooney did his best Lincoln Chafee; and Bobby Moynihan played Mike Huckabee in a pre-taped segment, to name a few.

And we’ve still got a year to go, folks.

Also Read: Donald Trump Says 'SNL' Hosting Gig Was Originally Just 1-Skit Guest Spot (Video)

2. Doth protest too much?
More Trump, because that’s exactly what the nation needs! Trump’s hosting — which he revealed Wednesday was originally only supposed to be a one-skit guest spot — is under protest. Hispanic activists picketed outside the “SNL” studio on Wednesday evening, midway through the GOP candidate’s week-long tenure at 30 Rock. Plus politicians outside of the show’s writers room’s radar are even on the bandwagon: Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez delivered an impassioned speech last month on the floor of Congress demanding that NBC reconsider.

“To put Donald Trump on the air in American living rooms on the signature comedy show of one of the most important national networks – after saying that Mexicans are rapists, drug-dealers and criminals – that is a corporate blunder too big to be ignored,” he said.

Margaret Cho publicly agreed with the call to recall Trump as host, though Latina actress and activist Eva Longoria told TheWrap that she supports the network’s right to free speech.

Also Read: Hispanic Groups to Protest Donald Trump's 'SNL' Episode at 30 Rock (Video)

3. Hosts with the mosts
Obviously, Trump is the trump card at this point in “Saturday Night Live’s” 41st season, but the NBC sketch comedy staple was already drawing huge names. That started with Cyrus — the buzziest pop star this side of Justin Bieber — pulling double duty for the season opener.

A week later, newly ascendant queen of comedy Amy Schumer headlined the show. The “Trainwreck” star’s first go as “SNL” host came just a couple of weeks after her Comedy Central show topped the NBC staple for the variety sketch series Emmy, though we’re betting Michaels saw that as more fortuitous than awkward.

Meanwhile, Matthew McConaughey and musical guest Adele are taking their places on Nov. 21. Elizabeth Banks makes her own series debut a week before that. And how could we possibly forget …

Also Read: Ben Carson Says He Won't Do 'SNL' Because Running for President 'Is a Very Serious Thing' (Video)

4. Everyone loves a reunion
… Tracy Morgan made his triumphant return to Studio 8H this season, a year and change removed from a horrific automobile accident that took his friend Jimmy Mack’s life and forever changed Morgan’s. The former “SNL” cast member looked and sounded great when the spotlight was brightest.

Morgan’s episode was as successful for advertisers as it was inspirational to fans — but we’ll save the numbers for last.

The comic’s “SNL” reunion sparked another one involving some of his closest former coworkers.

Also Read: Bernie Sanders Does a Larry David Impression for Jimmy Kimmel (Video)

5. Killer cameos
We already mentioned Clinton, but did you see Larry David‘s perfect impression of her left-wing rival Bernie Sanders? Alec Baldwin also joined the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” star at the podium for the mocked debate.

The last time “SNL” called an old friend back to impersonate a top political candidate, it was Tina Fey as Sarah Palin. Well, Fey stopped by the show this season too, alongside friend and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” collaborator Jane Krakowski — as well as Jack McBrayer and Baldwin — joining Morgan for a “30 Rock” spoof.

Fey also swung by her old stomping desk “Weekend Update” to talk about Playboy’s controversial editorial decision to walk away from its bread-and-butter nude photos.

Also Read: Inside Donald Trump's First 'SNL' Host Gig With Show Writer - And What to Expect Next

6. Consistency is key
There were no firings on the turnover-happy “SNL” this season, though there was one addition and one asterisk-y subtraction.

Stand-up comedian Jon Rudnitsky joined the cast for Season 41 as a featured player. Meanwhile, Colin Jost stepped down from his co-head writer position to focus more on “Update.”

Have these moves paid off? We don’t really know yet. But they sure haven’t hurt.

Also Read: Larry David Nails Bernie Sanders Impression on 'SNL': 'We're Doomed!' (Video)

7. Rat(ings) Race
We won’t spend too much time on ratings, as they’re admittedly a result of “SNL” staying buzzy and not a reason for it. But the numbers beg mention.

“Saturday Night Live” is up 9 percent in total viewers for original episodes versus last year, averaging 7.8 million this time around per Nielsen’s “most current” ratings, which count seven-day of delayed viewing where available. The show is fractionally up in the key 18-49 demographic as well.

Cyrus’ season premiere rose 12 percent year over year in terms of total viewers; that was the most-watched episode of the fall. Morgan’s return yielded the best numbers in the main demo. Time-shifting has made a big difference this season, as the show’s affluent audience is finding it beyond its live time slot.

Also Read: Donald Trump 'Saturday Night Live' Teaser Takes Swipe at Ben Carson (Exclusive Video)

All of this and it’s just November 2015 — just wait until the same pivotal month in 2016.

'SNL's' 40 Most Iconic Characters: From the Blues Brothers to Stefon (Photos)

Spartan Cheerleaders: Will Ferrell and Cheri Oteri got spirit, how 'bout you?
Wayne Campbell (Mike Myers) and Garth Alger (Dana Carvey): Party time, excellent.
MacGruber (Will Forte): Makin' life-saving inventions out of household materials!
The Blues Brothers, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd: Two soul men.
Stefon: Bill Hader never could keep a straight face as "Weekend Update's" New York City nightlife correspondent.
Girl You Wish You Hadn't Started a Conversation With at a Party: Cecily Strong's breakout character went away temporarily when she co-anchored "Weekend Update" for a season.
"Dick in a Box" guys: You better hope that Andy Samberg and Justin Timberlake aren't your Secret Santas.
The Church Lady: Dana Carvey's character on making this list: "Well isn't that special?"
Matt Foley: Chris Farley's character may be iconic, but he still "LIVES IN A VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER!"
Sarah Palin (Tina Fey): Did this spot-on impression save "SNL" during a down period? "You betcha!"
Roseanne Roseannadanna (Gilda Radner): "Weekend Update's" consumer affairs reporter had as much distaste for New Jersey as Richard Feder has questions.
Debbie Downer: Rachel Dratch's best character would surely find SOMETHING miserable about being considered one of the show's 40 most iconic.
Mary Katherine Gallagher: We know, Molly Shannon -- you're a superstar. So stop being so nervous all the time.
Haray Caray (Will Ferrell): "Cubs win! Cubs win!" PS, Wrap readers: If you were a hot dog, would you eat yourself?
Land Shark: Chevy Chase's deadly predator was most definitely NOT a dolphin, ma'am.
Roxbury guys: Before their movie, Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan clubbed hard on "SNL." One of their best sketches included host Jim Carrey.
(It's) Pat: Never before has androgyny been so much fun. PS: Pat was played by a lady, Julia Sweeney, if you didn't know.
The Ambiguously Gay Duo: Ace and Gary oftentimes found themselves in ... precarious ... situations. Now what is everyone looking at?
Stuart Smalley: Al Franken's "Daily Affirmations" character made our list because he's good enough, he's smart enough, and doggone it, people like him.
Dooneese: Kristen Wiig's "Lawrence Welk Show" character isn't much to look at, but she also can't sing at all.
Killer Bees: The Killer Bees have the distinction of being the first recurring characters on "Saturday Night Live" -- and they came back A LOT, mostly to spite network brass.
"Celebrity Jeopardy!" gang: You can't pick one: Alex Trebek (Will Ferrell), Burt Reynolds (Norm Macdonald) and Sean Connery (Darrell Hammond) were magic when they got together.
Gumby: Eddie Murphy is Gumby, damnit! Sorry Pokey, you didn't make the cut.
The Ladies Man: Tim Meadows' character liked the fairer sex even more than he dug Courvoisier -- and we loved him for that.
The Gap Girls: Chris Farley, David Spade and Adam Sandler always had fun when they got together. Add cross-dressing and mall food court gossip and it gets even better.
The Festrunk Brothers: Steve Martin and Dan Aykroyd's "Wild and Crazy Guys" birthed those Roxbury guys we talked about earlier. Know your history, kids!
Bill Swerski's Superfans: These Chicago sports fans love Da Bulls and Da Bears as much as they love bear and Polish sausage. Seen here with their cherished Michael Jordan.
The Continental: Christopher Walken's recurring character was really forward with the ladies. He may have lacked game, but was never short on ascots.
Hans and Franz: The Dana Carvey and Kevin Nealon duo were here to pump people up way before Aaron Rodgers and State Farm Insurance ever entered the power-lifting fray.
Samurai Futaba: John Belushi's samurai skills didn't translate to many other professions, most-notably working as an accountant and in a delicatessen.
Coneheads: The Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin and Laraine Newman family were not of this Earth -- and you would have never noticed if not for their accents.
Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer: Ladies and gentlemen, this classic Phil Hartman character was just a caveman -- things in our modern world frighten and confuse him.
Richard Layer: Rob Schneider's Richmeister was thrilled anytime someone in his office needed to use the Xerox machine. He had as many nicknames for his colleagues as they made copies.
Father Guido Sarducci: Don Novello was a writer for "SNL," where he famously brought the chain-smoking, tinted-glasses-wearing priest. Though the show popularized the character, it wasn't the origination point for Father Guido.
Jack Handey: Jack Handey was the real name of a real "Saturday Night Live" writer who had real funny "Deep Thoughts" during the 1990s.
George W. Bush (Will Ferrell): "SNL" was carried for several years by Ferrell, whose George W. Bush impersonation was so popular that he scored a successful and critically acclaimed one-man show on Broadway.
Mister Robinson: Eddie Murphy's play on "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" was meant for adult audiences. Where Rogers' town was lovely in every way, Robinson's was terrifying, but incredibly funny.
Robert Goulet (Will Ferrell): Ferrell's Goulet was completely ridiculous -- complete with a catchphrase of just exclaiming "Goulet!" at random times to punctuate a sentence. It was also hilarious, handing Ferrell another well-deserved spot on this Top 40 list.
Irwin Mainway: Dan Aykroyd's sleazy salesman would do anything for a buck -- even it involved selling a Bag O'Glass to children at Christmastime. That kind of dedication qualifies Mainway as an icon in our eyes.
Mr. Bill: The clay character was constantly in danger over the course of his 20-plus show appearances. It's currently unclear if the figure lived long enough to come back for "SNL 40."