Full Breakdown
Sabrina Carpenter Hosts and Performs on SNL: A Recap of the October 18 Episode
10/20/2025, 1:17:08 PM
Cold Open: The Return of Domingo
On October 18, 2025, *Saturday Night Live* (SNL) featured Sabrina Carpenter as both host and musical guest, marking her first hosting appearance. The episode opened with a cold open titled "Domingo Cold Open," where Carpenter reprised her role as Kelsey alongside Marcello Hernández's character, Domingo. The sketch parodied popular songs by Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga, showcasing Kelsey and her friends recounting a night out in Nashville while planning a birthday surprise for Kelsey’s husband, Matt, played by Andrew Dismukes. The humorous narrative unfolded through song, revealing Kelsey’s complicated feelings and interactions with Domingo.
Carpenter's Monologue and Musical Performances
In her opening monologue, Carpenter addressed the recent controversy surrounding the cover art of her album *Man’s Best Friend*, humorously clarifying misconceptions about her image. She described herself as not just a "horndog pop star" but also a multifaceted individual who enjoys reading. Carpenter's musical performances included renditions of her songs "Manchild" and "Nobody’s Son," which were well-received and showcased her vocal abilities.
Recurring Sketches and New Characters
The episode also featured a variety of sketches, including a follow-up to the "Shop TV" series, where Carpenter played an innocent pillow inventor whose product inadvertently evoked anatomical imagery. Additionally, Carpenter starred in the "Boys Podcast" sketch, portraying a tween podcaster interviewing a character based on former President Donald Trump, played by James Austin Johnson. This sketch received praise for its accurate depiction of tween culture.
Criticism and Reception
While Carpenter's performance was generally well-received, some critics noted that the recurring Domingo sketches may be losing their novelty. The cold open, while entertaining, was described as "serviceable" by some reviewers, indicating a potential fatigue with the format. However, Carpenter's comedic timing and ability to engage with the audience were highlighted as strengths throughout the episode.
Official Statements and Responses
Bowen Yang, a regular cast member, was absent from this episode due to a prior commitment to receive the Vantage Award at the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles. Yang expressed his support for Carpenter via social media, stating, "Missing the show tonight but it will be sooooo fun. Sab is amazing."
What's Next for SNL
Following Carpenter's episode, SNL is set to continue with new hosts, including Miles Teller on November 1, and Nikki Glaser and Glen Powell in subsequent episodes. The show remains a platform for emerging talent and established stars alike, maintaining its relevance in the comedy landscape.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m not just horny, I’m also turned on, and I’m sexually charged. And I love to read. My favorite book is the encyclopedia. It’s so big and it’s hard…” — Sabrina Carpenter
- “You know, Braylor, I've never been one for the veggies. Ding Dongs! I like a Ding Dong. We love Little Debbie. She does tremendous work. It's awful what happened to her,” — James Austin Johnson as Donald Trump
This episode of SNL not only showcased Sabrina Carpenter's versatility as a performer but also continued the show's tradition of blending music and comedy in innovative ways.
