Alec Baldwin Makes Surprising Return to ‘SNL’ as Bret Baier

Alec Baldwin made a notable appearance on the latest episode of “Saturday Night Live,” but this time he stepped away from his well-known portrayal of former President Donald Trump. Instead, he took on the role of FOX News anchor Bret Baier in a humorous cold open that spoofed a recent interview with Vice President Kamala Harris, played by Maya Rudolph.

Baldwin’s past stint as Trump has become iconic over the years, drawing both acclaim and criticism. However, in recent seasons, “SNL” cast member James Austin Johnson has taken over the Trump impersonation, leaving many fans speculating whether Baldwin would return for another round as the controversial figure ahead of the upcoming election. His switch to playing Baier reflects the show’s ability to adapt and stay current with political satire.

In the cold open, Baldwin’s Baier grilled Rudolph’s Harris on a variety of pressing topics, including immigration and abortion. The sketch aimed to capture the dynamic of political interviews while adding a comedic twist. During the immigration segment, Harris quipped about her effectiveness, stating, “If I was in ‘Breaking Bad,’ it would’ve ended in three episodes,” showcasing Rudolph’s knack for delivering sharp, witty lines.

Throughout the skit, Baldwin’s Baier was relentless, frequently interrupting Harris, highlighting the often contentious nature of political interviews. At one point, he mocked her for seemingly aiming for viral moments in her responses. In a clever nod to social media culture, Rudolph’s Harris responded by turning to a different camera to simulate making faux TikTok clips, poking fun at the modern obsession with online fame.

The sketch also referenced a notable moment from the actual interview, where Baier mistakenly played the wrong clip of Trump, leading to a comedic back-and-forth between the two characters. This meta-commentary added an additional layer of humor for viewers familiar with the original interview.

Adding to the mix, Dana Carvey made a guest appearance as President Joe Biden, contributing to the comedic ensemble. However, fans noted the absence of Andy Samberg, who has also made appearances this season as Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, raising questions about the dynamic of the cast in this particular episode.

The episode was hosted by Michael Keaton, who is celebrated for his roles in films like “Beetlejuice” and the recent release “Goodrich.” Keaton has a long history with “SNL,” having hosted three times before, with his most recent appearance dating back to 2015. He even made a cameo in 2019, demonstrating his ongoing relationship with the iconic sketch show. The musical guest for the evening was Billie Eilish, adding a youthful flair to the episode.

Looking ahead, John Mulaney is set to host the next episode of “Saturday Night Live” on November 2, with Chappell Roan as the musical guest. This timing is significant, as it falls just days before Election Day, promising a politically charged atmosphere ripe for satire.

“SNL” continues to air on NBC at 11:30 p.m. EDT/8:30 p.m. PDT, consistently providing a platform for sharp political commentary through humor. Baldwin’s return, albeit in a different role, reflects the show’s ability to evolve while maintaining its comedic edge.

As viewers digest the episode, it’s clear that “SNL” remains committed to delivering relevant and entertaining content, especially in the lead-up to significant political events. Baldwin’s brief yet impactful appearance as Bret Baier is just one example of how the show keeps its finger on the pulse of current affairs, making it a staple of American comedy.