Cecily Strong Makes Triumphant Return to Saturday Night Live as Jeanine Pirro
Saturday Night Live welcomed back a familiar face, and a fiery one at that, as Cecily Strong reprised her iconic role as Jeanine Pirro in the May 10th episode. Strong, who departed the show in 2022 after a celebrated run, made a memorable return, injecting her signature brand of boisterous comedy into the shows cold open.
The sketch began with President Donald Trump, portrayed by James Austin Johnson, making a grand announcement. In a move that mirrored the chaotic energy often associated with the Trump administration, Johnsons Trump declared Pirro as the interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. The casting choice was a clear nod to Pirros outspoken and often controversial persona.
Strong, embodying Pirros larger-than-life character, wasted no time in delivering punchy one-liners. With a glass of wine firmly in hand, she quipped, Im so proud to be part of this group full of Russian assets, booze hounds and people famous for the little baby animals theyve killed, a pointed jab at the various scandals and controversies that have plagued Trumps inner circle. The line was met with uproarious laughter, a testament to Strongs ability to capture Pirros essence with sharp wit.
Johnsons Trump further emphasized Pirros qualifications, stating that she has the most important quality I look for in a lawyer: Shes on TV. This comment underscored the shows satirical take on the Trump administrations tendency to prioritize media presence over actual expertise.
The sketch then welcomed another familiar face to the stage: Colin Jost, Weekend Update anchor, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Jost’s Hegseth, adopting a staunchly conservative demeanor, claimed to have sworn off alcohol. However, he strategically gifted Pirro a bottle, anticipating a comedic spit take after delivering shocking news. Hegseth revealed, I accidentally added (North Korean leader) Kim Jong Un to the group chat, prompting Strongs Pirro to unleash a torrent of wine directly into Josts mouth. The physical comedy was a highlight of the sketch, showcasing the casts willingness to embrace slapstick humor.
The cold open initially presented a Mothers Day theme, with cast members bringing their mothers on stage as has been done in past years. However, the sentimental moment was abruptly interrupted by Johnsons Trump, who proclaimed he is invading all aspects of your life. The intrusion was a clever commentary on the way Trumps political presence permeated nearly every facet of American culture.
Before introducing Pirro, Trump delivered a rambling monologue that touched upon the election of Pope Leo XIV, who is from Chicago. In a meta-commentary, Trump criticized the show for not focusing on the papal news. Theres a new pope from Chicago. Why arent we doing da Pope or something? he asked. Like da Bears but da prayers, you know what I mean? The self-aware humor highlighted SNLs tradition of poking fun at itself.
Host Walton Goggins followed the cold open with a heartfelt monologue dedicated to his mother. After briefly joking about becoming a sex symbol at age 53, the White Lotus star expressed genuine gratitude towards his mother, who raised him with the support of her sisters and his grandmother. He described her as the most important person in my life.
Goggins recounted his unconventional upbringing, explaining, Growing up, whenever my momma couldnt afford a babysitter, she would take me with her to honky-tonks. In a touching gesture, the actor invited his mother, who was seated in the audience, to join him for a dance. The moment provided a heartwarming contrast to the political satire of the cold open.
The Weekend Update segment, anchored by Colin Jost, addressed the election of Pope Leo XIV. Jost quipped, as an American Catholic, I could not be more proud, which is a sin and now Im ashamed. He also joked, This pick was actually a welcome surprise for me because when I heard the pope was a super-religious guy from Chicago in a funny robe, I was worried it was Kanye.
Jost then addressed complaints that the new pope is too woke, asking, How woke can a 69-year-old man from Chicago be? Its not like he came out and was like, Hey, Im Pope Leo XIV, he/him. Jost concluded with a satirical pronouncement: The reality is there are no woke Catholics. If youre a woke Catholic, youre just not Catholic anymore.
The episode served as a reminder of SNLs enduring ability to blend political satire with personal moments. Cecily Strongs return as Jeanine Pirro provided a much-needed dose of comedic energy, while Walton Goggins monologue offered a poignant reflection on family.
Saturday Night Live will conclude its 49th season on May 17, with Scarlett Johansson, Josts wife, hosting and Bad Bunny serving as the musical guest. The season finale promises to be another memorable installment in SNLs long and storied history. The show continues to evolve and adapt, solidifying its place as a cultural touchstone. The return of beloved cast members like Cecily Strong, combined with fresh talent and topical humor, ensures that SNL remains relevant and entertaining for years to come.
