Matt Damon hosts as Brett Kavanaugh in 'SNL' finale lead-up alongside Aziz Ansari as Kash Patel

Musical guest Noah Kahan performed 'The Great Divide' and 'Doors', after releasing new music earlier this year

Matt Damon returned to Studio 8H on Saturday Night Live, reprising his role as Brett Kavanaugh in a politically themed cold open alongside Aziz Ansari, who made his debut as FBI director Kash Patel.

The sketch was set in Georgetown’s Martin’s Tavern and featured Colin Jost as Pete Hegseth joining Damon’s Kavanaugh for drinks. Ansari’s Patel later entered the scene, with the trio ending the segment by singing Chumbawamba’s “Tubthumping”.

Damon also used his hosting appearance to promote Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey, joking during his monologue that audiences would be able to see the film “in nine weeks”. The actor referenced Mother’s Day and participated in a pre-recorded message aimed at mothers watching the programme.

The episode featured several original sketches, including “Godzilla Movie”, where Damon played a naval commander repeatedly spitting out drinks in reaction to reports about the monster’s destruction, and “Mom Movie Trailer”, a spoof trailer presenting a stress-free film designed specifically for mothers.

Other highlights included “Tough Guys”, centred on neighbourhood men whose stories of toughness ended with them being humiliated, and “Tidy Care Crystals”, a parody advert for cat litter that exposed uncomfortable family secrets.

Musical guest Noah Kahan performed “The Great Divide” and “Doors”, marking a major television appearance following the release of new music earlier this year.

Weekend Update covered topics including the Met Gala, Kash Patel and military dolphins, while guest appearances included a Tucker Carlson impression and a musical segment by Jane Wickline about chronic lateness.

The episode marked the penultimate instalment of Saturday Night Live Season 51. Will Ferrell is hosting the finale next week on May 16 alongside musical guest Paul McCartney. The episode airs at 11:30pm EST on NBC and Peacock.