Entertainment

Amy Poehler hosted the Oct. 11 episode of “Saturday Night Live,” with Role Model as musical guest.

By Kevin Slane

October 12, 2025 | 8:17 AM

2 minutes to read

“SNL” returned to the air for the second episode of its 51st season on Saturday, October 11, with former cast member Amy Poehler serving as host and musical guest Role Model.

The Burlington native, who was part of the “Saturday Night Live” cast from 2001 to 2008, was hosting “SNL” for the third time. She hosted for the first time in 2010, and again in 2015 alongside Tina Fey.

Fittingly, her longtime comedy collaborator showed up immediately, playing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem alongside Poehler’s combative Attorney General Pam Bondi in the political cold open.

Poehler also noted in her monologue that Saturday’s episode actually took place on the 50th anniversary (to the day) of the show’s very first episode, hosted by George Carlin.

“And just like George Carlin, I’m extremely high,” Poehler joked.

Poehler also talked about how she dreamed of being on the show growing up.

“I remember watching the show in the ’70s, sitting in my house in Burlington, Massachusetts, thinking, ‘I want to be an actress someday,’” Poehler said. “At least until they invent an AI actress who’s funnier and willing to do full-frontal.’”

Fey wasn’t the only pal of Poehler’s to make an appearance in the episode. “Parks & Rec” co-star Aubrey Plaza popped up in a parody of Netflix’s salacious drama “The Hunting Wives,” while both of her former “Weekend Update” co-hosts, Fey and Seth Meyers, joined her at the desk for a joke-off with Colin Jost and Michael Che.

Even the musical guest, Maine native Role Model (real name Tucker Pillsbury), got a celebrity cameo to support his performance. His hit song “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out” frequently features a famous figure on stage as the titular Sally. His “SNL” performance of the song was no different, with Charli XCX popping in for a brief cameo.

Check out the videos below to see highlights from Amy Poehler’s episode of “SNL,” including Poehler’s opening monologue, the plethora of cameos, and all of the guests visiting the “Weekend Update” desk — including Poehler herself.

“Saturday Night Live” Cold Open

Amy Poehler Monologue

“SNL” Weekend Update Clips

Role Model Musical Performances

Some of the Best “SNL” Sketches

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