SNL cold open features NYC mayoral debate with Zohran Mamdani, Donald Trump appearances

Saturday Night Live opened its November 2, 2025 episode with a sketch depicting a fictional New York City mayoral debate. The cold open addressed the November 5 elections in New York City, Virginia, and New Jersey, along with the ongoing federal government shutdown, food stamp cuts, and the World Series finale between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays.

Kenan Thompson portrayed New York newsman Errol Louis, who moderated the debate. Louis addressed the candidates with the question: "Why would you want the worst job in the world?"

Host Miles Teller portrayed former New York governor Andrew Cuomo in the cold open sketch. Teller's Cuomo character stated: "I know this city like the back of a women's back," referencing the sexual harassment allegations against the former governor.


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Shane Gillis, a former SNL cast member who later hosted the show, appeared as Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, wearing the Guardian Angels founder's signature red beret.

Ramy Youssef portrays frontrunner Zohran Mamdani

Comedian Ramy Youssef appeared as frontrunner and New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani. Youssef's Mamdani character addressed New York voters with social media-style messaging: "Once you vote for me, you know you'll feel a little less bad about that chicken and rice shop getting turned into a Sweetgreen, so why don't you hit me up on the ballot box, girl?"

The portrayal referenced Mamdani's campaign style and his status as the leading candidate in the mayoral race.

Cast member James Austin Johnson appeared as Donald Trump during the cold open. Johnson's Trump character described his bagel order as a "Big Mac with a hole in the middle" and stated: "This election is about housing and taxes, but we all know it's about me, right?"

The Trump character then performed a brief segment from Phantom of the Opera while wearing a mask before the cold open concluded with the traditional "live from New York, it's Saturday night!" announcement.

Miles Teller hosts SNL season 51 episode 4

Miles Teller returned to host Saturday Night Live for the second time on November 2, 2025. The Top Gun: Maverick and Eternity star previously hosted SNL in 2022. The episode marks the fourth installment of SNL's 51st season, created by Toronto-born Lorne Michaels for NBC.

Brandi Carlile served as musical guest for her third solo appearance on Saturday Night Live. The 11-time Grammy winner previously appeared on SNL in April, 2025 for a performance with Elton John, bringing her total SNL appearances to four.

Upcoming SNL hosts include Nikki Glaser and Glen Powell

Saturday Night Live announced upcoming hosts for November, 2025. Nikki Glaser, returning Golden Globe host, will make her SNL hosting debut on November 9. Glen Powell, star of Chad Powers, will host SNL for the first time on November 15.

Also read: SNL 51 pregame: Miles Teller and Brandi Carlile's previous Saturday Night Live appearances reviewed

SNL will feature Thanksgiving and Christmas specials later in 2025, according to reports. The long-running sketch comedy series continues its 51st season on NBC with weekly episodes featuring celebrity hosts and musical guests.