SNL Returns with Glen Powell, Takes Aim at Epstein

NEW YORK, NY — Saturday Night Live marked a strong comeback on Nov. 15, 2025, as Glen Powell made his long-awaited hosting debut after a four-year delay, launching into a night filled with sharp humor centered around recent scandals.

The episode opened with a cold open featuring James Austin Johnson impersonating former President Donald Trump, dodging questions about Jeffrey Epstein. Trump’s press secretary, played by Ashley Padilla, humorously claimed, “there was no news this week,” only to later stumble upon the explosive release of Epstein’s emails, which mentioned Trump over 1,000 times.

“His crime was loving too much…and possibly too young,” Padilla’s character quipped, earning laughs from the audience. Johnson then took the stage as Trump, spinning the situation with his notorious humor, saying, “I am hiding almost nothing, just enough to make it extremely suspicious.”

The sketches throughout the night tackled various aspects of the Epstein scandal, illustrating a blend of comedy and the real-world frustrations surrounding powerful individuals avoiding accountability. Weekend Update anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che delivered dark jokes about the ongoing developments, with Jost remarking, “Trump’s like the Forrest Gump of meeting famous pedophiles.”

In a move that energized the audience, Powell’s performance was marked by sincerity, especially when he recalled his long journey to hosting. He made a touching connection by inviting Mitch, the UPS driver from his family’s selfie four years ago, to join him on stage.

The sketches also included a surreal AI experience gone wrong as a grandmother watches her family photos morph into nonsensical images, and a musical number titled ‘I Miss My Ex’s Dad’ that humorously addressed breakups and family dynamics.

Will Forte returned as MacGruber in a pre-taped segment, where the character stumbled upon the Epstein files, providing a comedic twist with Forte’s signature style. Throughout the night, Padilla stood out with her versatility, impressively portraying various characters alongside Powell.

Chloe Fineman also had a notable episode alongside Powell, showcasing her comedic range. The sketches reflected a mix of absurdity and keen social observation in a humorous light, effectively tapping into topical themes.

SNL’s ability to balance humor with current events continues to resonate, offering audiences laughter while addressing serious matters. The episode concluded with a promise for a return on December 6, featuring Melissa McCarthy as host, creating anticipation for what’s to come.