President Joe Biden’s recent press conference received some unexpected competition for media attention when the giant panda Tian Tian made a surprise appearance during the cold open of Saturday Night Live’s latest episode, hosted by Jason Momoa.
The sketch that kicked off the episode parodied Biden’s recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where they discussed China’s plan to send more pandas to the U.S. as three pandas are currently making their way back to China after residing in Washington’s National Zoo. In the sketch, castmember Bowen Yang played Tian Tian, one of the pandas, and successfully upstaged Mikey Day’s portrayal of Biden.
Day as Biden joked, “This meeting was a total win. Sure, we made agreements about communications, fentanyl, climate change — but most importantly, we got the thing America really needs right now: more pandas.” Meanwhile, Yang, as Tian Tian, provided insight into the panda’s daily routine, expressing a desire to eat bamboo, sneeze in a cute way, and not engage in activities related to reproduction. When asked about his disinterest in mating and sex, Yang humorously replied, “Have you had it? It’s crazy. Next question.”
In addition to the panda-themed sketch, the episode also featured Momoa delivering a monologue that highlighted his concern for the condition of the planet’s oceans. Another notable sketch showcased the adoration that Momoa and other men have for the Roman Empire, referencing a recent TikTok trend.
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The show’s “Weekend Update” segment addressed current events, including NBA star Draymond Green’s recent suspension for getting into a fight with Rudy Gobert during a game.
Musical guest Tate McRae graced the episode with her performance, adding to the entertainment lineup.
Overall, this latest installment of Saturday Night Live was filled with timely and humorous commentary on various topics, from political meetings and environmental concerns to pop culture trends. The unexpected addition of Tian Tian the panda to the cast of characters further added to the comedic and unexpected elements of the show.
As always, Saturday Night Live continues to be a source of laughter and entertainment, offering viewers a chance to unwind and enjoy clever and often satirical takes on current events and pop culture. With celebrity guests, talented cast members, and creative writing, the show remains a staple of weekend television, drawing in audiences with its blend of humor and social commentary.
