SNL gets serious: Show ditches traditional cold open for moving performance of Ukrainian national anthem and host John Mulaney jokes about going into rehab and having a baby with Olivia Munn…but makes no mention of the wife he ditched
- The show presented a performance by the Ukrainian Chorus Dumka of New York performing the Ukrainian national anthem
- The song originates from a 19th century Ukrainian poem titled ‘Ukraine Is Not Dead Yet’
- After the moving rendition, the show revealed a set of candles in the shape of the word ‘Kiev’ referring to the Ukrainian capital, which is currently under siege
- Cast members Kate McKinnon and Cecily Strong ended the performance with the traditional proclamation of ‘Live from New York, it’s Saturday night’
Saturday Night Live went without its famous cold open ahead of this evening’s show on the Russian invasion of Ukraine this evening.
Instead, the show presented a performance by the Ukrainian Chorus Dumka of New York performing the Ukrainian national anthem.
The song originates from a 19th century Ukrainian poem titled ‘Ukraine Is Not Dead Yet.’
After the moving rendition, the show revealed a set of candles in the shape of the word ‘Kiev’ referring to the Ukrainian capital, which is currently under siege.
Cast members Kate McKinnon and Cecily Strong ended the performance with the traditional proclamation of ‘Live from New York, it’s Saturday night.’
Cold open of Saturday Night Live on Feb. 26, 2022 features a Ukrainian choir with cast members Kate McKinnon (front left) and Cecily Strong
The show presented a performance by the Ukrainian Chorus Dumka of New York performing the Ukrainian national anthem
After the moving rendition, the show revealed a set of candles in the shape of the word ‘Kiev’ referring to the Ukrainian capital, which is currently under siege
Comedian John Mulaney, a former SNL writer, then returned as host for a fifth time and did a monologue referencing his newfound sobriety and new son with actress Olivia Munn.
Mulaney and Munn got together after Mulaney’s stint in rehab and have since had a son named Malcolm.
The arena-headlining comedian did not make reference to his ex-wife Annamarie Tendler.
Mulaney referenced his stay in rehab, where he had to delete and block all of his drug dealers. Upon reaching one of them, he discovered that he wasn’t a drug dealer at all, just a painter who Mulaney had kept asking for drugs.
‘All the time, drug dealers turn an innocent man into a drug addict. I might be the first drug addict to turn an innocent man into a drug dealer,’ he cracked.
Overall, Mulaney said: ‘Life is a lot better and happier now. I have a 12-week-old son. I’m very excited.’
John Mulaney gives his monologue on Saturday Night Live
Advertisement
