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Colin Jost Reflects on SNL's Iconic Cold Opens

3/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Colin Jost, host of The Rundown and SNL writer, names the 2008 cold open with Tina Fey as Sarah Palin and Amy Poehler as Katie Couric his favorite.
During premiere, he notes nostalgia and his early writing days.
He also cites Steve Martin's 1991 musical sketch and the show's inaugural 1975 cold open, and notes SNL's 51st season plus a U.K. spinoff launching this weekend with Tina Fey hosting.

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Story summary

Colin Jost, host of The Rundown and SNL writer, names the 2008 cold open with Tina Fey as Sarah Palin and Amy Poehler as Katie Couric his favorite.
During premiere, he notes nostalgia and his early writing days.
He also cites Steve Martin's 1991 musical sketch and the show's inaugural 1975 cold open, and notes SNL's 51st season plus a U.K. spinoff launching this weekend with Tina Fey hosting.