Saturday Night Live delivered comedy gold with its NYC mayoral debate cold open on Nov. 1, 2025. Host Miles Teller and cast members skewered the race for New York City’s next mayor. James Austin Johnson’s Trump crashed the debate to steal the spotlight. The sketch went viral within hours of airing on NBC.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- SNL Season 51 Episode 4 aired on Saturday, Nov. 1
- The cold open mocked the NYC mayoral election on Nov. 4, 2025
- Miles Teller played former Governor Andrew Cuomo
- Ramy Youssef portrayed Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani perfectly
- James Austin Johnson stole the show as Trump hijacking everything
- Guest musical performer: Brandi Carlile
Trump Hijacks the NYC Mayoral Debate
The SNL cold open launched into political satire at full speed. Ramy Youssef opened the sketch as Zohran Mamdani, the leading Democratic candidate. Miles Teller brought his A-game portraying former Governor Andrew Cuomo with perfect comedic timing. Shane Gillis, a controversial SNL alum, played Republican Curtis Sliwa.
“It’s about me,” Trump insisted, derailing the entire debate about NYC policy issues.
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The satirical debate asked the three candidates absurd questions about New York culture. The show poked fun at everything from bagel preferences to NYC stereotypes. Then James Austin Johnson burst through as President Trump, completely derailing the discussion. Johnson’s performance scored massive laughs nationwide.
Why This Sketch Dominated Social Media
SNL viewers immediately praised the cold open as the season’s best so far. The sketch nailed the timing of the NYC mayoral race, happening just 3 days before voting. Political satire always hits harder when it’s timely and relevant to viewers’ lives.
The casting choices resonated perfectly with audiences. Miles Teller brought the comedic energy the sketch needed. Ramy Youssef captured Zohran Mamdani’s mannerisms brilliantly. But James Austin Johnson’s Trump impersonation stole every scene he appeared in. His comedic timing and signature impressionist style continue dominating SNL week after week.
New York City residents loved seeing their election mocked by television’s most trusted comedy show. The absurdist humor and celebrity cameos made the sketch feel both fresh and classic SNL. That’s why it trended immediately on social media platforms nationwide.
The Episode Details and Performers
SNL Season 51, Episode 4 featured incredible entertainment across the board. Here are the key details:
| Element | Details |
| Host | Miles Teller (Actor/Producer) |
| Musical Guest | Brandi Carlile (Singer/Songwriter) |
| Air Date | Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 at 11:30 PM ET |
| Network | NBC / Peacock Streaming |
| Cold Open Topic | NYC Mayoral Debate Satire |
| Key Cast Members | Ramy Youssef, Miles Teller, Shane Gillis, James Austin Johnson |
Brandi Carlile performed powerfully, delivering her latest music to enthusiastic applause. The combination of comedy and music made for compelling late-night television. Fans appreciated both the sketch comedy and the musical performances throughout the episode.
What To Watch For Next
SNL continues its strong season with fresh perspectives on current events. The show’s ability to capitalize on timely topics keeps audiences engaged week after week. Here’s what’s worth noting:
- Watch how SNL continues covering the NYC election aftermath
- James Austin Johnson will likely return with new Trump material
- The show frequently revisits successful sketches with fresh angles
- Peacock streaming offers full episodes on demand immediately
- Weekend Update segments often extend political comedy further
SNL fans should expect more election-related humor as voting happens and results come in. The show excels at reactive comedy, especially for major political events.
Is SNL’s Comedy Gold Here to Stay?
The NYC mayoral debate cold open sparked debate online: Was this SNL’s best sketch of the season? Many viewers absolutely think so. The perfect storm of timely politics, stellar casting, and expert comedic performances created magic on screen.
James Austin Johnson’s impersonations have become appointment television for millions. Each week brings new characters and fresh takes. His ability to transform into anyone makes every sketch unpredictable.
Miles Teller’s hosting debut proved he belonged on the SNL stage. The actor brought genuine comedic energy to every sketch and participated enthusiastically throughout the night. His portrayal of Andrew Cuomo will likely become iconic for SNL fans.
Will the show maintain this momentum? The cold open proved SNL remains television’s sharpest comedy source for political satire. Watch the full sketch and decide for yourself whether this was the season’s best moment yet.
Sources
- NBC Saturday Night Live – Official cold open episode Nov. 1, 2025
- Variety – SNL cold open NYC mayoral debate coverage
- The Daily Beast – Trump crashes NYC mayoral debate analysis
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.