Here’s a bold statement: Amy Poehler’s return to Saturday Night Live on October 11, 2025, wasn’t just another episode—it was a celebration of comedy history, packed with nostalgia, star power, and moments that had everyone talking. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this episode a masterpiece of modern SNL, or did it rely too heavily on cameos to carry the laughs? Let’s dive in.
For the uninitiated, Amy Poehler—a SNL legend who graced the show from 2001 to 2008—hosted the second episode of the 51st season, marking her third time at the helm. This time, she was joined by musical guest Role Model (aka Tucker Pillsbury), whose performance of ‘Sally, When the Wine Runs Out’ featured a surprise cameo from Charli XCX. And this is the part most people miss: The episode aired exactly 50 years to the day after SNL’s very first episode, hosted by George Carlin. Poehler didn’t let the milestone go unnoticed, quipping in her monologue, ‘And just like George Carlin, I’m extremely high.’
Speaking of her monologue, Poehler took us on a trip down memory lane, recalling her childhood in Burlington, Massachusetts, where she dreamed of becoming an actress after watching SNL in the ’70s. ‘At least until they invent an AI actress who’s funnier and willing to do full-frontal,’ she joked, blending humor with a subtle commentary on the future of entertainment. Bold question: Is AI the next frontier in comedy, or will human creativity always reign supreme? Let’s discuss in the comments.
The episode was a reunion of sorts, with Poehler’s longtime comedy partner Tina Fey making an immediate appearance in the political cold open. Fey played Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, while Poehler portrayed a combative Attorney General Pam Bondi. But Fey wasn’t the only familiar face—Parks & Rec co-star Aubrey Plaza popped up in a parody of Netflix’s The Hunting Wives, and former Weekend Update co-hosts Seth Meyers and Fey joined Poehler at the desk for a joke-off with Colin Jost and Michael Che. Controversial take: Did the abundance of cameos overshadow the sketches, or did they elevate the episode to must-watch status?
Role Model’s performance was another highlight, though it wasn’t without its own star-studded twist. His hit song often features a celebrity as ‘Sally,’ and Charli XCX’s cameo on SNL kept the tradition alive. Thought-provoking question: Are musical performances on SNL better with celebrity cameos, or do they distract from the artist’s talent?
From Poehler’s opening monologue to the slew of cameos and the Weekend Update antics, this episode was a love letter to SNL’s legacy. But it also left us wondering: In an era of evolving comedy, can SNL continue to innovate while honoring its roots? Share your thoughts below—we want to hear from you!
