“Saturday Night Live” host Jean Smart kicked of this year’s 50th season of the storied sketch show with a monologue highlighting its home city, the Big Apple.
Taking the stage in a sparkly pink pantsuit, the “Hacks” star said, “I can’t tell you how honored I am to be hosting the premiere episode of Season 50. It truly is incredible to be here.” She added with a grin, “I haven’t gotten all dressed up and had hundreds of people clap for me in days,” referencing her recent Emmy win for lead actress in a comedy series.
Smart reflected on watching the very first episode of “SNL” and thinking to herself how she’d host the show someday. “And this was the first Saturday that worked for my schedule,” she said with a smirk. Recalling her New York City beginnings as a young actor in her 20s, Smart quipped, “I always think of New York as my home, even though I have a much nicer home in L.A.”
She broke into song, highlighting the stenches, sights and sounds of New York, and the changing seasons, too. “I love autumn in New York… the color of trash bags changing.” She also noted seeing Mayor Eric Adams in the news. “I didn’t read it, I’m sure it was something good.” (The mayor recently pleaded not guilty to federal corruption charges.)
Smart serenaded the audiences inside Studio 8H, singing, “I Happen to Like New York,” in which she took loving jabs at the city and reflected on her popularity among lesbians. “Lesbians are obsessed with me,” mused the Emmy winner, whose “Hacks” character Deborah Vance performs, in one episode of the Max comedy, on a cruise for gay women.
Jean Smart’s monologue was light on jokes (but they were good ones) and big on vibes. She performed a take on Judy Garland’s “I Happen to Like New York,” interspersed with commentary about how she started her career in the city around the same time “SNL” began in 1975. She said she mistook the letters for “Saturday Night Laughs.” “Then I watched the show and I thought, ‘That can’t be right.’” Smart joked that she’s been wanting to do the show since then but, “This is the first Saturday that worked with my schedule.” It’s not hard to imagine an alternate timeline with Smart in that original cast and her career launching that way, but let’s just say things have worked out quite well for her regardless.
In her tight opening monologue to kick off Season 50 of Saturday Night Live, the multi-Emmy-winning veteran actress took aim at everyone and everything from recently indicted New York Mayor Eric Adams to the NBC late-night show she was hosting.
“It really is incredible to be here,” the Hacks star joked. “I haven’t gotten all dressed up and had hundreds of people clap for me in … days, honestly.” (Smart was, of course, referring to the Emmys, held September 15.)
She continued, poking fun at the late-night sketch series, “I remember watching the very first episode of SNL and thinking, ‘Someday, I’m gonna host that show.’ And this is the first Saturday that worked with my schedule.”
At this point, the pink-suit-clad Smart was presented with a grand piano and began to sing a love letter ditty to the host city, where she began her career in the entertainment industry in an “off-off-off-off-off-Broadway, Jersey actually” play in her 20s.
“I happen to like New York / I happen to like this town,” she lilted on the track, adding that she liked “the stink of it,” especially in the autumn, when “all the garbage on the street is finally changing colors, beautiful, beautiful.”
Speaking of New York City, the host threw a jab at its since-disgraced leader, saying off-handedly: “I saw Mayor Adams in the news! I didn’t read it, I’m sure it’s for something good!” (Adams was indicted by the FBI and charged for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bribery tied to illegal campaign contributions.)
In wrapping up her three-and-a-half minute-long set, she concluded, “I thought SNL stood for ‘Saturday Night Laughs,’ and then I watched the show and thought, ‘Well, that can’t be right,” making a “yikes” face in jest.
But Smart didn’t wrap up her monologue before acknowledging her place in popular culture, saying in part, “Lesbians are obsessed with me … at least I have options.”
Smart's 'SNL' Debut: A Look at the Season Premiere
The 50th season premiere of “Saturday Night Live” saw Jean Smart take the stage as host, delivering a monologue that was equal parts witty and self-deprecating. She also reflected on her career, her love for New York City, and her surprising popularity among lesbians. The episode featured a strong cold open with the return of Maya Rudolph as Vice President Kamala Harris, along with Jim Gaffigan as Tim Walz and Andy Samberg as Doug Emhoff, but it’s Smart’s monologue that is sure to be remembered.
A Hilarious Monologue for a Historic Season
Smart’s monologue was a highlight of the season premiere, showcasing her comedic timing and ability to connect with the audience. The monologue wasn’t just a funny set of jokes, it was a personal reflection on her journey as an actress, her love for New York City, and her self-awareness of her place in popular culture. With a blend of humor and heartfelt reflections, Smart’s monologue set the tone for a memorable season premiere.
A Season of Celebration and Change
With Smart’s hosting gig marking the beginning of “SNL’s” 50th season, the show is set for a year of celebration and change. The season promises a star-studded lineup of hosts and musical guests, and a series of special events commemorating the show’s incredible legacy. The premiere, however, belonged to Smart, who reminded viewers why she’s one of the most talented and beloved actresses of her generation. With a monologue that was both hilarious and insightful, Smart proved that she is still one of the best in the business.
The Show Must Go On
As “SNL” begins its 50th season, one thing is clear: the show’s legacy is secure. The cast is strong, the writing is sharp, and the show is still relevant. With Smart’s hilarious monologue, the show has already established itself as a force to be reckoned with, and we can only expect more great things from “SNL” in the coming months.
