Amy Poehler returns to host 'SNL' 50th anniversary show with Role Model as musical guest

Saturday Night Live marked its 50th anniversary with an emotional and energetic homecoming for former cast member Amy Poehler, who returned to host the milestone episode alongside musical guest Role Model.

The show opened with a political "Cold Open" featuring Poehler as US Attorney General Pam Bondi, frustrated before the Senate. Andrew Dismukes impressed as Senator John Kennedy, while Tina Fey made a surprise appearance as Secretary Kristi Noem, delighting fans of the Poehler-Fey duo.

In her monologue, Poehler joked about her early love for SNL, her new podcast Good Hang and the changes in comedy since the 1970s, quipping, “Back then, women couldn’t even own credit cards.” Her easy rapport with the audience set a warm tone for the night. 

Sketches throughout the episode included “The Rudemans,” a playful look at a judgemental family dinner, and “Non-Alcoholic Beer,” a sharp spoof on beverage advertising. “Psychic Talk Show” saw Poehler as a blunt clairvoyant delivering rapid-fire readings. Other highlights included “Work Birth,” where she refused to stop working during labour, and “Midlife Crisis,” with Poehler portraying a rebellious, goth mother rediscovering herself.

Music came from Role Model, performing "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out" with Charli XCX and later "Some Protector", both from his new album Kansas Anymore (The Longest Goodbye).

A standout “Weekend Update” reunited Poehler with Tina Fey and Seth Meyers for a spirited joke-off with Colin Jost and Michael Che. The episode closed with “Composers,” a sketch spoofing moody TV theme songs.