Texas Senator-Elect James Talarico Crashes SNL Cold Open, Apologizes for Texting Viewers So Much
A surprise entrance on SNL
Talarico appeared near the end of the cold open, days after being elected senator in Texas during the midterm elections. James Austin Johnson, playing Donald Trump, had been discussing the results before Talarico entered to loud cheers.
Talarico then delivered the signature “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night” line. His appearance brought the Texas politician into a sketch centered on the election outcome.
A joke about frequent texts
Talarico introduced himself to viewers with a joke about asking them for donations. He said, “I’m James Talarico, the guy who’s been texting you every day asking for $5.” He followed the punchline with a message about cooperation, saying he believed working with the president could improve life for everyday Americans.
A jab at the sketch
Talarico also turned his attention to the show itself, saying people wanted something new and different. He clarified that he meant SNL’s cold opens, then questioned how often the program would use Trump-freeze scenes. The appearance combined election-related humor with Talarico’s own remarks about fundraising and political cooperation.
Key points
- James Talarico appeared in Saturday Night Live’s cold open on November 7.
- The Texas senator-elect joined a sketch about the midterm election results.
- He joked about texting viewers each day to ask for $5.
- Talarico also criticized the frequency of Trump-freeze scenes in SNL cold opens.