"Wow they pivoted quickly" — Internet reacts as SNL roasts MSNBC host Rachel Maddow over Trump obsession 

Saturday Night Live (SNL) launched its first episode of 2025 on a high note with a cold and satirical open, targeting the news channel MSNBC and its coverage of President-elect Donald Trump.

The skit featured Sarah Sherman as Rachel Maddow, host of The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC, to deliver a commentary on the network’s alleged obsession with Trump and also take a jab at its anchors. The sketch, which featured James Austin Johnson played as Trump, was discussed excitedly on social media, with many netizens impressed by SNL for its clever humor and bold critique.

Sherman's Maddow delivered the opening line, “Dads, you better hide your older bookish l**bian daughters,” to establish the mood for the sketch that didn’t shy away from mocking MSNBC’s anchors and their reported peculiarities.

The panel on the skit was described by Sherman's Maddow as “kind of like ‘The Avengers’ for your aunt,” and it featured cast members doing impressions of network regulars such as Ari Melber, Joy Reid, Stephanie Ruhle, and Chris Hayes.

Many viewers commended SNL for taking a bold stance on MSNBC’s coverage. Several reactions across social media platforms focused on what they perceived as a quick shift to the current political landscape. One X user wrote:

"Wow they pivoted quickly huh."

"SNL might return to form from long ago when it was funny and mocked both political parties... not just one," opined another user.

"The shift has begun," remarked another X user.

"It was one of the best snls I've ever seen, and while they made fun of Trump, it was in a kind way like they did with Biden," felt one viewer.

"I always record it, but rarely watch more than a few minutes. This one looks like it might be worth watching," claimed one fan.

"Wow, very occasionally I'm impressed with them," said a user.

More on SNL’s take on MSNBC, TikTok ban and Donald Trump

The panel did its best to steer the conversation toward serious issues such as the Los Angeles wildfires and the TikTok ban, only to be interrupted by fake breaking news updates about Donald Trump.

It was meant to be a dig at the network’s penchant for obsessing over Trump’s every move. At one point, Sherman’s Maddow declared that Trump wanted to “swap Connecticut for Italy.”

James Austin Johnson played Trump, delivering a parody act that combined the former president’s speaking style, and nonsensical references to TikTok trends including “ice bucket challenges” and “Get Ready with Me” videos.

On SNL, Johnson’s Trump joked that he would take credit for the TikTok’s popularity, and expressed excitement over his indoor inauguration that would share a day with Martin Luther King Jr. Day.