Full Breakdown
Colin Jost's Favorite SNL Cold Open: A Look Back at Political Parody
3/20/2026, 11:38:06 PM
Colin Jost's Selection of the Iconic Sketch
Colin Jost, a prominent figure on Saturday Night Live (SNL) for over a decade, has chosen the 2008 cold open featuring Tina Fey as Sarah Palin and Amy Poehler as Katie Couric as his favorite sketch in the show's history. This selection was made during the inaugural episode of SNL's new short-form series, *The Rundown*, where Jost reflected on the show's extensive 51-season legacy. He described the sketch as "nostalgic" and praised the collaboration of its writers, particularly Seth Meyers, along with Fey and Poehler, stating, "You got to see them playing off each other. I think they're two of the best to ever do it."
The Impact of the Cold Open
The cold open, which humorously reenacted the real-life interview between Couric and Palin during the 2008 presidential campaign, is credited with shaping public perception of Palin. Jost noted that the sketch became one of SNL's most memorable political pieces, highlighting its significance in the context of political satire. He emphasized the chaotic nature of cold opens, which often come together last minute, shaped by current events and political developments.
Jost's Experience and Insights
Having served as a writer, writing supervisor, and co-head writer on SNL, Jost has written approximately 100 cold opens. He explained the unique challenges of this segment, which lacks the benefit of a warmed-up audience. "You are going from an ice-cold vibe in here," he remarked, underscoring the pressure to engage viewers immediately. Jost's experience informs his perspective on what makes a successful cold open, and he expressed a desire for shorter, more focused sketches in the future.
Other Notable Mentions
In addition to the Fey-Poehler sketch, Jost acknowledged other cold opens that he holds in high regard, including Steve Martin's musical number "Not Going to Phone It in Tonight" from 1991 and the very first cold open, "Wolverines," from the show's 1975 premiere featuring John Belushi. He noted that these sketches exemplified the simplicity and effectiveness of a single comedic idea.
Official Statements & Responses
Jost's reflections on the cold open highlight both personal nostalgia and professional admiration for the show's legacy. He stated, "If I'm making a rundown and I'm picking a cold open, the Katie Couric–Sarah Palin interview, I think, I would put in here." This sentiment underscores the lasting impact of the sketch on both Jost's career and the broader cultural landscape.
What's Next for SNL
As SNL continues its 51st season, *The Rundown* will feature new episodes released on YouTube during breaks in the main show's schedule. Upcoming episodes are expected to include appearances from notable SNL alumni such as Dana Carvey, Mikey Day, Chloe Fineman, and Bowen Yang, further exploring the show's rich history and its influence on political comedy.
