Fans of snl cold open segments were in for a treat as the show featured a surprising return from Matt Damon. The actor reprised his beloved role portraying Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during the cold open of the May 9, 2026, episode. This appearance marked one of the highlights as Damon showcased his impression of Kavanaugh with both humor and a timely political message.
The cold open was set in a lively bar in Washington, D.C., where Kavanaugh, portrayed by Damon, encountered Colin Jost’s character, Pete Hegseth, and Aziz Ansari’s Kash Patel. The sketch kicked off with Hegseth amusingly complaining about his colleagues, suggesting they don’t enjoy drinking as much as he does. Suddenly, Kavanaugh, robe and all, stormed in, humorously declaring, “I figured I was going to find you here because I saw all the women covering their drinks.”
Within this hilarious setup, Kavanaugh and Hegseth bonded over their enjoyment of parties and political maneuvers. As Jost’s character bragged about starting a war, Damon’s Kavanaugh comically rebutted by claiming to have “ended abortion,” boldly announcing, “Your body, my choice!” This sketch is notably part of a long tradition of political satire that saturates SNL and resonates with audiences who enjoy humor that reflects current events.
What followed was a surprise revelation as Damon’s Kavanaugh let slip that they were planning to let former President Donald Trump “do a third term.” The punchline delivered in a ludicrous tone humorously alluded to Trump supposedly discovering the original Constitution, only to have scrawled “Psych!” at the end. The comedic depth of this cold open signifies SNL’s ongoing commentary on the current political landscape.
Damon’s return marks a significant occasion, as he last hosted SNL in 2018. His timing was astutely intentional, aligning with the promotion of his forthcoming movie, The Odyssey, which premieres in July. During the monologue, Damon reflected on the traditional practice of SNL inviting cast members’ mothers for the Mother’s Day weekend episode, jokingly adding that Spirit Airlines’ suspension of service thwarted their plans this year.
This particular SNL episode also marked a shift in performance dynamics; it was the second consecutive cold open where usual depictions of Donald Trump by James Austin Johnson did not occur. Instead, the focus remained firmly on Damon, Jost, and Ansari, illustrating the show’s adaptability to timely satire while supporting a comedic narrative around influential political personalities.
In light of the series’ upcoming hiatus, this episode stands out as the penultimate of Season 51. SNL is slated to return in the fall after the finale on May 16, with former cast member Will Ferrell set to host the last show alongside musical guest Paul McCartney. Fans are eager to see how these closing episodes wrap up a season filled with sharp and memorable sketches.
Overall, this skit highlights the brilliance of political comedy, a hallmark of SNL’s legacy. It not only entertains but also ignites conversations among its viewers about real-world issues. The way SNL intertwines pop culture and politics remains significant in American entertainment, keeping the pulse on both the comedic and social climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Matt Damon’s role in the recent SNL episode?
Matt Damon reprised his role as Brett Kavanaugh during the cold open, humorously discussing political topics in a bar setting.
When did Matt Damon last appear on SNL?
Damon last hosted SNL in 2018, making his recent appearance significant.
What major themes were addressed in the SNL cold open?
The cold open tackled themes such as political satire, the notion of a third Trump term, and social commentary on current issues.
Who were the other characters in the cold open skit?
Colin Jost played Pete Hegseth and Aziz Ansari portrayed Kash Patel, engaging with Damon’s Kavanaugh in the humorous exchange.
What can fans expect from the next SNL episode?
The next episode will be the season finale, featuring Will Ferrell as the host with Paul McCartney as the musical guest.
