Photo Credit: Getty Images
Alec Baldwin's return to Saturday Night Live , became a topic of heated discussion, though not entirely for his performance. The 66-year-old actor's appearance, marking his second this season, was overshadowed by an unexpected wardrobe malfunction during the show's closing moments.
During the traditional curtain call alongside host Charli XCX and the cast, Baldwin appeared unaware that his fly was down, prompting immediate reactions across social media platforms. "The wardrobe mishap quickly overshadowed what was meant to be a significant return to comedy," noted entertainment analyst Sarah Reynolds in her post-show review.
The evening's primary performance featured Baldwin debuting his impression of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who had recently been named Secretary of Health and Human Services. In the cold open, alongside James Austin Johnson as Trump and Dana Carvey as Biden, Baldwin delivered lines poking fun at Kennedy's public persona: "Americans need someone to teach them how to be healthy, like me, a 70-year-old man with movie star looks."
Viewer reception was notably mixed. Social media analytics showed that while some praised the sketch's political commentary, others questioned the timing of Baldwin's return. Entertainment Weekly's TV critic Mark Thompson observed, "The performance seemed to struggle finding its footing between comedy and controversy."
The appearance marked a significant shift from Baldwin's previous SNL role as Donald Trump, which earned him an Emmy in 2017. His return to the show comes at a complex time, following the July 2024 dismissal of manslaughter charges related to the tragic 2021 "Rust" shooting incident, where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins lost her life.
Network ratings indicated that while the episode maintained steady viewership, social media engagement peaked during the closing moments, largely driven by comments about the wardrobe malfunction rather than the performances themselves. Industry expert Jennifer Martinez noted, "What could have been a triumphant return to comedy became overshadowed by an unfortunate wardrobe mishap."
As SNL continues its 49th season, this episode will likely be remembered more for its unscripted moment than its intended comedy.
