Alec Baldwin made a surprising return to the "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) stage, but not in his well-known role as former President Donald Trump. Instead, Baldwin took on the character of FOX News anchor Bret Baier in the cold open of the latest SNL episode. This shift has caught many off guard, as Baldwin’s impersonation of Trump had become iconic in previous seasons.

Baldwin’s portrayal of Baier occurred in a parody of the recent interview between Vice President Kamala Harris and the real-life Baier on FOX News. Maya Rudolph reprised her role as Harris, adding her signature comedic flair. The spoof focused on several major political topics, with a particular emphasis on immigration and abortion. The sketch was sharp, witty, and full of memorable moments that once again showcased Baldwin's versatility.

Baldwin Plays FOX News Anchor Bret Baier in the Latest SNL Cold Open

CNN | MSN | Baldwin portrays Baier in the SNL cold open.

In past seasons, Baldwin's impersonation of Donald Trump on SNL was a regular feature, especially during the height of Trump’s presidency. His portrayal earned widespread praise and became a staple of the show. However, Baldwin has stepped back from this role, allowing cast member James Austin Johnson to take over as the new Trump impersonator. There had been speculation that Baldwin might return to his Trump role ahead of the upcoming elections, but instead, the SNL cold open took a different direction with Baldwin as Baier.

This change highlights SNL’s ability to adapt its comedic strategies, keeping its political parodies fresh and relevant. Baldwin's return as a different character might indicate a shift in focus for the show, as it looks to cover a broader range of political figures and news anchors.

Transition from Trump Impersonation to New Characters on SNL

The SNL cold open brilliantly parodied the real interview between Baier and Harris, making the most of the exaggerated back-and-forth dialogue. Baldwin, as Baier, repeatedly interrupted Rudolph’s Harris, poking fun at the dynamics often seen in real political interviews. Rudolph’s Harris delivered tongue-in-cheek responses, including a quip about taking down cartels: “If I was in ‘Breaking Bad,’ it would’ve ended in three episodes.”

The humor in the sketch didn't stop there. At one point, Baldwin’s Baier teased Harris about her responses, suggesting she was merely “looking for a viral moment.” This line served as a segue into Harris playfully turning to a different camera to create faux TikTok clips, making light of the modern trend where politicians and public figures attempt to capitalize on viral media.

NBC News | MSN | The SNL cold open brilliantly parodies the real interview between Baier and Harris.

SNL Parodies Real Political Interviews With Baldwin and Rudolph

The cold open also cleverly referenced real moments from the actual FOX News interview. In particular, they spoofed the awkward moment where Baier mistakenly played the wrong clip of Trump. This gave Baldwin and Rudolph the chance to engage in comedic sparring, heightening the humor of the scene while keeping it grounded in recent events.

One notable absence in the cold open was Andy Samberg, who has appeared this season playing Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. While fans might have anticipated his involvement in this Harris-focused sketch, the absence didn’t detract from the overall energy and humor of the scene. Instead, the spotlight remained on Baldwin, Rudolph, and the sharp satire they brought to the stage.

Real-Life Moments from the FOX News Interview Get a Comedic Twist

This episode of SNL featured Michael Keaton as the host, marking his fourth time in this role. Keaton is known for his memorable appearances in movies like “Beetlejuice” and the newly released “Goodrich.” Billie Eilish served as the musical guest, adding to the episode's excitement.

SNL continues to balance its blend of celebrity appearances, political satire, and musical performances, making each episode a must-watch event. With John Mulaney scheduled to host the next episode, fans are eager to see what surprises the iconic sketch show will deliver next.