Maya Rudolph is set to make a grand return to ‘Saturday Night Live’ (SNL) in its milestone fiftieth season. The versatile comedian and actress will reprise her celebrated portrayal of Vice President Kamala Harris, and her role is set to expand significantly.
According to a well-informed source, Rudolph’s return to the iconic sketch comedy show will extend throughout the 2024 election season.
The upcoming season of SNL kicks off on September 28 and fans can expect a mix of political satire, celebrity impressions, and hilarious sketches. However NBC and Rudolph’s representatives have remained tight-lipped about the news.
The decision to bring back Rudolph was fueled by President Joe Biden’s announcement that he would not seek a second term. Biden’s endorsement of Harris as the Democratic nominee immediately piqued the interest of SNL producers. However, Rudolph’s availability initially posed a challenge.
Fortunately, Rudolph’s schedule recently opened up. The third season of her Apple TV+ comedy series, “Loot,” which films in Los Angeles, was rescheduled to January. This change allowed her to commit to SNL, which shoots in New York City.
Rudolph’s Impact on SNL
Maya Rudolph’s portrayal of Kamala Harris has become a fan favorite. Her first appearance as Harris was in a Democratic debate sketch during the 2019 season. Her impeccable comedic timing and spot-on impression earned her an Emmy Award for outstanding guest comedy performance in 2020.
But Rudolph’s accolades didn’t stop there. In 2021, she received another Emmy for her hosting role on SNL. Her ability to capture Harris’s mannerisms, speech patterns, and charisma has endeared her to audiences and made her portrayal iconic.
Harris’s Approval
Even Vice President Kamala Harris herself has expressed admiration for Rudolph’s impression. In a 2019 interview with Seth Meyers, Harris revealed, “I grew up watching Saturday Night Live. The thought that anyone would be in any way depicting me…” Her words trailed off, but her smile spoke volumes.
As SNL gears up for its fiftieth season, viewers can look forward to Maya Rudolph’s return as Kamala Harris, injecting humor and satire into the political landscape. Whether it’s a debate sketch or a cold open, Rudolph’s comedic genius promises to keep audiences laughing and engaged.