'SNL' unveils Jim Gaffigan as Tim Walz, Andy Samberg as Doug Emhoff, and Dana Carvey as Joe Biden in a cold open featuring Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris.

"SNL" reveals Jim Gaffigan as Tim Walz, Andy Samberg as Doug Emhoff, and Dana Carvey as Joe Biden in a cold open featuring Maya Rudolph’s Kamala Harris.

The question of who would portray Tim Walz and Doug Emhoff on "Saturday Night Live" was quickly addressed during the show's 50th season premiere. 

Jim Gaffigan took on the role of Minnesota Governor Walz, joining Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris’ running mate, while Andy Samberg played the Second Gentleman, Emhoff. Dana Carvey also debuted his Joe Biden impression. 

Returning cast member James Austin Johnson portrayed Donald Trump, with Bowen Yang as his running mate, JD Vance. Andrew Dismukes, as journalist David Muir, joked about the ABC News debate being “biased toward the Democrats, which … duh.” In a fun twist, Rudolph revived her character, the "Funt," humorously announcing, “The Funt has been rebooted: 2 Funt, 2 Furious.” Gaffigan's Walz humorously remarked, “In Minnesota, we say: ‘Mind your damn business.’” As Emhoff, Samberg humorously referred to himself as the “Second Gentlemensch” and joked about the White House Christmas theme being Hanukkah. 

Carvey's Biden was portrayed as confused, quipping, “A lot of people forget I’m president. Even me!” When Rudolph thanked “J’Biden” for his leadership, Carvey responded, “I didn’t want to! They made me.”

Emhoff was previously portrayed by Martin Short in a Passover-themed sketch from 2021. In an August 2024 with Esquire, Emhoff said that “SNL” needs a “good Doug character” leading up to the election. “I’m thinking Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds, Chris Hemsworth. You know, people who look exactly like me,” he joked.

Samberg was a cast member on “SNL” from 2005 to 2012 but has not made an appearance on the show since 2018. (He only hosted once after his tenure, in 2014.)

Maya Rudolph's return to "Saturday Night Live" as Vice President Harris was confirmed in July, shortly after Harris announced her presidential bid following Joe Biden's exit from the race. Rudolph first portrayed Harris in December 2019, earning an Emmy for her brief but impactful role in a debate sketch. She continued to play Harris throughout the 2020 election cycle alongside Jim Carrey's Biden. 

The season premiere of "SNL" on September 28 featured Jim Gaffigan as Governor Tim Walz, Andy Samberg as Doug Emhoff, and Dana Carvey debuting his Biden impression. The sketch opened with Rudolph reviving her "fun aunt" persona as Harris, while Gaffigan delivered comedic quips about Minnesota. Samberg humorously dubbed himself the "Second Gentlemensch," and Carvey's Biden struggled with his own identity. 

Rudolph, a former "SNL" cast member, has repeatedly showcased her take on Harris, drawing on the Vice President's fun-loving nature. "SNL" celebrated its 50th season with the premiere and plans a live special in February.