The October 18, 2025, episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL) was nothing short of electric. Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter took the stage not just as the host but also as the musical guest, delivering an evening filled with comedy, charisma, and catchy tunes.
Known for her playful pop image and viral hit songs, Carpenter embraced the spotlight on NBC’s legendary sketch show with confidence and charm. The episode combined Gen Z humor, political satire, and bold sketches — including a memorable appearance by James Austin Johnson as Donald Trump in a surreal interview that also referenced George Santos.
The Opening: A Fresh Spin on Classic SNL
Unlike the typical political cold open, the episode kicked off with an unexpected twist. Due to a brief football delay, the show opened with the return of the “Domingo” sketch, a recurring favorite among fans.
This decision set a different tone — less about heavy politics, more about lighthearted fun and youthful energy. Sabrina Carpenter’s comedic timing was immediately evident as she dove into sketches centered on modern culture, podcasting, and online personas.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Hilarious Monologue
Carpenter’s monologue was one of the standout moments of the night. She poked fun at her own pop-star image, joking about her recent album cover and the public perception of her “horny pop girl” persona.
With clever self-awareness, Carpenter joked:
“I’m not just horny. I’m also turned on, emotionally charged, and occasionally introspective. My favorite book? The encyclopedia. It’s big, heavy, and full of things I’ll never finish.”
The crowd erupted in laughter, applauding her ability to mix sharp wit with self-deprecating humor. Her ease on stage showed she’s not just a chart-topper — she’s a natural performer with comedic instincts.
“Snack Homiez” – Trump and George Santos Take Center Stage
The “Snack Homiez” podcast sketch became the talk of the night. In this bit, Carpenter played one of several Gen Z podcast hosts interviewing Donald Trump, portrayed by James Austin Johnson.
What began as a silly conversation about favorite snacks spiraled into a chaotic yet hilarious rant. Trump veered into off-topic territory, praising George Santos and declaring:
“You know who I like? George Santos. He’s weird, he’s a liar, and that’s okay. People are marching because he’s free — they call it the ‘Yes King!’ march.”
The sketch perfectly blended political parody and absurdist humor, satirizing both Trump’s unpredictable speaking style and the modern influencer world.
SNL fans praised the writing for staying topical while still feeling fresh, avoiding the typical political fatigue by framing it in a Gen Z podcast setting.
Weekend Update: Current Events with Comic Precision
As always, Colin Jost and Michael Che brought their signature snark to Weekend Update. The pair took aim at George Santos’s release from prison, joking that Trump was the one who “finally released what everyone wanted — George Santos.”
They also lampooned election-season drama and youth trends, connecting the political world with internet absurdity. The segment maintained SNL’s balance of real-world relevance and ridiculous punchlines.
Musical Performances: Sabrina Carpenter in Her Element
Carpenter took the stage twice to perform “Manchild” and “Nobody’s Son.” Both performances showcased her artistry and stage presence.
- “Manchild” was sultry, confident, and visually striking — a reminder of Carpenter’s control over both her voice and image.
- “Nobody’s Son” took on a darker, more cinematic tone, with a dojo-inspired stage set and dramatic lighting.
The live performances demonstrated why Carpenter continues to dominate pop charts while expanding her reputation as a versatile entertainer.
Youth Culture, Feminine Confidence, and Internet Satire
This SNL episode didn’t just rely on celebrity or political humor — it was a reflection of modern youth culture. Many sketches poked fun at influencer culture, podcasts, and viral TikTok trends.
Carpenter leaned into her confident persona, blending female empowerment and satire in equal measure. She proved that self-parody can coexist with authenticity — a skill few pop stars manage as effectively.
Her natural chemistry with the cast, including Bowen Yang and Chloe Fineman, brought a contagious energy that made the show feel lively and current.
Critical and Audience Response
The episode quickly became a fan favorite. Critics praised Carpenter for her comedic confidence and effortless stage presence. Social media lit up with clips of her monologue and the “Snack Homiez” sketch, both of which went viral within hours.
While some viewers noted minor timing issues due to the football delay, most agreed the episode was one of the strongest of the season so far. Reviewers highlighted the combination of Carpenter’s musical prowess and her ability to laugh at herself as key reasons for the episode’s success.
Why This Episode Matters for SNL’s Future
This installment of Saturday Night Live demonstrated the show’s evolving strategy — blending pop culture relevance with comedic experimentation.
By booking a Gen Z icon like Carpenter, SNL bridged generational gaps and showed it can still attract younger audiences in an era dominated by TikTok and YouTube comedy.
The Trump and George Santos parody balanced timely political references with humor that didn’t feel heavy-handed, proving SNL can remain both relevant and entertaining without leaning too hard into partisan commentary.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Big Moment
For Sabrina Carpenter, this episode marked a defining career moment. Already one of pop music’s biggest rising stars, she showed the world that her talents extend beyond catchy melodies and viral videos.
From the confident delivery of her monologue to her flawless live vocals, Carpenter proved she belongs in the same league as previous pop icons who successfully hosted SNL, such as Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus.
If this episode is any indication, Sabrina Carpenter’s reign as a multi-talented performer has only just begun.
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FAQs
1. Who hosted SNL on October 18, 2025?
The host and musical guest was pop star Sabrina Carpenter, marking her first time hosting the show.
2. What were the songs Sabrina Carpenter performed?
She performed “Manchild” and “Nobody’s Son.”
3. Who played Donald Trump in the episode?
Comedian James Austin Johnson portrayed Trump in a hilarious “Snack Homiez” podcast sketch.
4. What was the George Santos reference about?
The sketch humorously mentioned George Santos’s release from prison, with Trump calling it the “Yes King!” march.
5. How was the episode received by audiences?
Fans and critics praised Sabrina Carpenter’s performance, calling her both funny and confident. The episode trended widely on social media.
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