Alec Baldwin has made a notable return to the iconic sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), stepping back into the spotlight for a cold open that showcased his comedic chops. This time, Baldwin traded his former role as Donald Trump for the character of Fox News anchor Bret Baier, bringing his signature humor to a light-hearted take on a recent interview with Vice President Kamala Harris, portrayed by Maya Rudolph. This performance is yet another testament to Baldwin's versatility and enduring presence in the world of television comedy.

A Hilarious Mock Interview

In this skit, Alec Baldwin, playing Baier, launched into a hilariously exaggerated mock interview. The conversation kicked off with a sharp question about immigration, as he asked Harris how many "murderers" she had let into the country. Rudolph, portraying Harris, tried to respond but was quickly interrupted by Baldwin, who ramped up the absurdity by tossing out outrageous numbers like "a million? Two million?"

Instagram | alecbaldwininsta | Baldwin returns to SNL with a bang, cracking up the audience in the cold open.

This back-and-forth perfectly captured the sketch's satirical spirit, poking fun at the sensationalism often found in cable news interviews. Rudolph’s Harris cleverly retorted, claiming she is the only candidate to have successfully prosecuted Mexican drug cartels. She humorously added that if she were a character in Breaking Bad, the plot would have been resolved in just three episodes—a playful jab at her supposed efficiency.

A Timely Commentary on Real Interviews

The skit also referenced a real-life moment from Baier’s interview with Harris, where he presented a clip featuring comments made by Donald Trump regarding “an enemy from within.” In the interview, Trump suggested that this enemy was more dangerous than external threats from nations like China or Russia. The sketch cleverly highlighted how such commentary can be misconstrued and manipulated in media portrayals.

Alec Baldwin, embodying Baier, portrayed a slightly bumbling yet assertive anchor, stating that he had “mistakenly” omitted context from Trump’s comments, underscoring how sound bites can be misleading. James Austin Johnson reprised his role as Donald Trump in the skit, adding a humorous layer to the segment. His Trump remarked, “They claimed I was threatening. That’s simply not true. The only thing I might threaten is the occasional bout of violence,” showcasing the character's penchant for exaggeration.

Featuring Familiar Faces

nbc.com | Baldwin, Rudolph, Johnson, and Carvey's comedic chemistry delivered a memorable sketch, highlighting their talent for political satire.

The return of Dana Carvey to play President Joe Biden added another layer of humor to the skit. Biden’s clips were used in a way that humorously misrepresented his statements. Carvey, as Biden, quipped, “Everything she touches will be destroyed—no joke. Be careful, Florida!” To which Rudolph’s Harris clarified that the comment was about Hurricane Milton, not her potential presidency.

This comedic interplay between Alec Baldwin, Rudolph, Johnson, and Carvey created a dynamic and engaging sketch, highlighting the talent of the cast and their ability to address serious political themes through humor.

Musical Performance by Billie Eilish

Alongside the comedy sketches, Billie Eilish graced the SNL stage as the musical guest, adding to the evening's entertainment. Her performance, coupled with Baldwin's comedic portrayal of a Fox News anchor, made for a memorable episode that resonated with audiences, reinforcing Baldwin’s status as a key figure in the show's legacy.