Gracie Abrams (And David S. Pumpkins) Returns To SNL

Saturday Night Live welcomed back rising singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams as its musical guest, marking her sophomore appearance on the iconic late-night stage. Abrams unveiled two songs from the deluxe edition of her latest project, Daughter From Hell, offering viewers the live debut of these new tracks with a visually compelling performance.

Abrams’ set was notable for its theatrical flair, drawing direct inspiration from Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. For her first number, she adopted the role of Juliet, followed by a transformation into Romeo for her second, creatively evoking the lovers’ encounter through a fish tank—a nod to one of the film’s most memorable scenes. This artistic choice underscored Abrams’ evolving presence as a performer willing to blend cinematic references with her emotive songwriting.

The episode’s opening scene featured a nostalgic return of Tom Hanks as David S. Pumpkins, reprising the eccentric character he originally introduced on SNL’s Halloween episode a decade ago. Sharing the stage with cast members Mikey Day and Bobby Moynihan, Hanks’ cameo was a highlight that merged comedy with a sense of SNL history, delighting longtime fans of the show.

In addition to the Halloween throwback, the cold open incorporated a political satire segment centered on then-president Donald Trump, portrayed by James Austin Johnson. The sketch included impressions of notable figures such as Nicki Minaj and former press secretary Katie Zacharia, played by Saidah Belo-Osagie and Veronika Slowikowska respectively. The sketch’s topical humor provided a sharp, if not cutting, commentary on recent political developments.

Host Inde Navarrette opened the episode with a monologue that subtly addressed the controversy surrounding previous SNL host Shane Gillis, whose prior use of a derogatory term had generated backlash. While the response was measured compared to other versions of the show, Navarrette’s remarks indicated the ongoing sensitivity and accountability within the SNL community.

Further comedic highlights included Moynihan’s revival of his Drunk Uncle persona during the Weekend Update segment, which touched on current sports news, including the World Series. Additionally, the Milwaukee Brewers brought a celebratory atmosphere to the studio with players Christian Yelich and Brice Turang, accompanied by their manager Pat Murphy and the championship trophy.

Later in the show, the comedic interplay continued with a sketch featuring Veronika Slowikowska as Kelly Clarkson opposite Grace Reiter’s bird automaton, showcasing the cast's versatility in blending absurdist humor with pop culture references.

Over the weekend, SNL UK also released a pre-taped segment titled Cher Witch Project, from their episode hosted by Cynthia Erivo, demonstrating the international reach and creative expansion of the SNL franchise.

Gracie Abrams’ return to SNL not only reaffirmed her growing status in the music world but also highlighted her ability to integrate artistic storytelling into her live performances. Coupled with the nostalgic nods to SNL’s comedic past and its current cultural commentary, the episode successfully balanced entertainment with timely reflections.