Season 46 premiere showcased Jim Carrey’s debut as Joe Biden
“Saturday Night Live” fans turned out in masses for last night’s 46th season premiere, generating the show’s most-watched season debut in four years, according to “fast official” “live plus same day” results from Nielsen Media Research.
Hosted by Chris Rock with musical guest Megan Thee Stallion, the show averaged a 1.68 rating in adults 18-49 and 7.765 million viewers overall, making it the most-watched season premiere since 2016 (with host Margot Robbie and musical guest The Weeknd). Excluding that telecast, the previous ratings record for a season premiere came in 2008 with host Michael Phelps and musical guest Lil Wayne.
You've reached your article limit.
Unlock premium content with a subscription.
Click Here Already a subscriber? LoginThe show was kicked off with the much-anticipated debut of Jim Carrey as the show’s new Joe Biden in a parody of the first presidential debate. Opposite Alex Baldwin’s Donald Trump — with an appearance by Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris — Carrey’s Biden asked America to “look directly into my eyeballs.”
Also Read: 'SNL': Debate Parody Cold Open Mostly Ignores Trump's COVID-19 Diagnosis (Video)
“You can trust me,” he said, mugging. “Because I believe in science. And karma, Now, just imagine if science and karma could somehow team up to send us all a message about how dangerous this virus can be. I’m not saying I want it to happen. Just imagine if it did.”
In his opening monologue, Rock acknowledged the weird circumstances under which the season premiere was happening — that like almost everyone not associated with Donald Trump, “SNL” has enacted strict safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in order to be able to film in the studio.
“This is a special show. This show is quite different than every other show. There are so many protocols. Everybody in this audience has been checked and all week I’ve had things going up my nose every day I come in here. I haven’t had so much stuff up my nose since I shared a dressing room with Chris Farley,” he joked.
'SNL': The 15 Best Sketches From Season 45 (Photos)
-
The 45th season of "Saturday Night Live" was a landmark achievement in more ways than one. Not only did the long-running sketch series see the long-awaited return of Eddie Murphy to Studio 8H, but the show had to contend with the coronavirus pandemic that forced the cast out of 30 Rock and into their homes. Luckily for us, that did not stop the show from producing new episodes. Here are the top sketches, in no particular order, from this season.
-
Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood 2019: Eddie Murphy hosted for the first time since the mid-1980s and he brought back all of his classic characters. Among them was Mr. Robinson, who showed up to teach boys and girls about the blight of gentrification. “I was gone for a bit but now I’m alright. My neighbors were all black but now they white.” We missed you, Eddie. Watch it here.
Also Read: ‘SNL': Colin Jost Jokes Even Joe Biden May Not Know if Tara Reade Accusation Is True (Video)
-
Debbie Downer Wedding Reception: In the final live episode before "SNL" went home during the coronavirus, Rachel Dratch brought back Debbie Downer to remind us all (correctly, it turns out) of what was in store for us. Watch it here.
-
Impeachment Fantasy Cold Open: One of many cold opens featuring Alec Baldwin's Trump, this one that takes us all back to the better days: When the president was being impeached. This imagines the trial most people wished had happened. Watch it here.
Also Read: ‘SNL': Alec Baldwin’s Trump Delivers Commencement Speech to ‘Class of COVID-19’ (Video)
-
Grouch: We knew "Sesame Street's" move to HBO could make it edgier but a "Joker"-style origin story for Oscar the Grouch took a bit too far. Watch it here.
-
Airport Sushi: John Mulaney completes the trilogy we never knew we needed by following up "Diner Lobster" and "Bodega Bathroom" with "Airport Sushi." Watch it here.
-
Uncle Meme: Always talk to your children about the dangers of irresponsible memes. Watch it here.
-
Family Charades: RuPaul made his "SNL" hosting debut with this sketch about a family that really does not understand the rules of Charades. Watch it here.
-
Robbie: Let's be honest, this is how "Rudy" would have turned out in real life. J.J. Watt just had to be the one to say it. Watch it here.
-
Undercover Boss: Where Are They Now (With Kylo Ren): Matt the Radar Technician is now "Randy the Entry Level Intern" in this follow-up to see if Kylo Ren really has made The First Order a more work-friendly place to be. Watch it here.
Also Read: ‘SNL': Current and Former Cast Members Pay Tribute to Sketch Music Producer Hal Willner (Video)
-
Party Song: Will Ferrell returned for his fifth time hosting and plays an AP English Teacher who is going through a rough spot in his marriage. Watch it here.
-
Mid-Day News: A midday news report about crime devolves into the most hilariously tone-deaf competition ever. Watch it here.
-
Dr. Anthony Fauci Cold Open: Dr. Fauci probably isn't happy about many things these days, but he got his wish when Brad Pitt played the country's top infectious disease expert to kick off "SNL's" second "At Home" edition. Watch it here.
Also Read: Dr. Fauci Gives Thumbs Up to ‘Classy’ Brad Pitt’s ‘SNL’ Impersonation: ‘He Did Great’ (Video)
-
Zoom Call: Too real, "SNL." Just way too real. Watch it here.
-
Sport Report: After two months of quarantine, we all probably would tune into "Popcorn Pop Off." If this seems too unbelievable, we remind you that ESPN actually aired people playing H-O-R-S-E. Watch it here.
-
Dreams: "SNL" sent off its season on a more somber, yet hopeful note: Reminding us all about the world that used to be before the pandemic. We hope to see it again. Watch it here.
From Eddie Murphy’s return to quarantined episodes, 45th edition of late night sketch series won’t be forgotten
The 45th season of "Saturday Night Live" was a landmark achievement in more ways than one. Not only did the long-running sketch series see the long-awaited return of Eddie Murphy to Studio 8H, but the show had to contend with the coronavirus pandemic that forced the cast out of 30 Rock and into their homes. Luckily for us, that did not stop the show from producing new episodes. Here are the top sketches, in no particular order, from this season.
Rosemary Rossi
Rosemary joined TheWrap in 2016 after more than two decades covering entertainment for American Media and Bauer Publishing as West Coast Editor and as the Hollywood Correspondent for Australia’s Horowitz Graham Publishing. In addition, she reviewed films and television, sized up trends and penned a weekly tongue-in-cheek column called “Hollywood’s Worst Ideas This Week” for TWCC.com. Anything and everything about the Golden Age of Hollywood and classic TV are her sweet spot.