No Kristen Wiig, no problem. Though the notoriously funny “Bridesmaids” star and Saturday Night Live cast member is not back for the new season, along with Andy Samberg and Abby Elliott, SNL’s 38th season will not go unnoticed.
With funnyman Jay Pharoah taking the reins as an impeccably similar Barack Obama, the first episode succeeded with barely any bumps in the road.
Known for his amazing likeness to celebrities like Will Smith and Denzel Washington, it was only a matter of time before Pharoah came out of the shadows of the veterans who left and entered center stage.
With the election coming up, there will be many episodes based on creating satire out of politicians, and so far the writers of the show seem to have a lot to work with.
Republicans may not rejoice at Jason Sudeikis’ portrayal of Mitt Romney. SNL, which always seemed to lean on more of the liberal side, portrayed Romney and Paul Ryan as ditsy and inconsiderate.
Seth MacFarlane, the creator of “Family Guy” and director of “Ted,” hosted the first episode of the new season.
With the ability to do many impressions and voices, MacFarlane was a perfect host, playing an array of characters spanning from a puppeteer teacher to an army sergeant.
SNL also started out the season with a smart choice in its musical guest, hip-hop and R&B crooner Frank Ocean.
With his recent commercial popularity and performance at the MTV Video Music Awards, Frank Ocean donned his typical bandana and sang his hit “Thinkin’ Bout You” and “Pyramids” from his album “Channel Orange.”
John Mayer made a surprise appearance as Frank Ocean’s guitar player for his live performances, as well. Mayer, who has had complications and surgeries for his throat, was unable to sing but made an appearance on the show with Ocean.
Mayer executed the guitar solo in the recording of “Pyramids” from the album and was able to showcase his talent live.
Korean rap sensation, PSY, who has over 100 million views on Youtube for his music video titled “Gangnam Style” also appeared in a skit parodying himself.
Seth Myers still holds his normal post for the “Weekend Update” portion of the show and made the show feel as if not much has changed.
The new cast members joining this season, Aidy Bryant, Tim Robinson and Cecily Strong, didn’t make much of an appearance on the first episode.
However, Strong confidently played a 17-year-old Latina urging the public and Latinas to vote during “Weekend Update.”
The rest of the season looks promising as huge stars and musical guests will perform throughout the season with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Mumford and Sons performing on the second episode on Sept. 22.
