Amy Poehler kicked off her Saturday Night Live opening monologue by commemorating the official 50th anniversary of the shows first episode while also pointing out some of the major advancements in technology since its debut.

The Good Hang podcast host affirmed it was actually a very special night for the show, not just because Im here, but because 50 years ago today, on Oct. 11, 1975, the very first episode of SNL aired.

But you know, the world looked a lot different in 1975. For one thing, women couldnt even have credit cards yet, she started. Yeah, but now Im kind of like, Somebody take my credit card away, am I right? Poehler went on to reference the recently launched AI actress Tilly Norwood, who has been dominating headlines and polarizing Hollywood.

I remember watching the show in the 70s, sitting in my house in Burlington, Massachusetts thinking, I wanna be an actress someday, at least until they invent an AI actress whos funnier and willing to do full frontal,' she said.

Later in her monologue, Poehler acknowledged that it can feel like times are very tough right now, while giving another shoutout to the controversial AI actress.

Before we start the show, I just wanted to say one thing: I know it can feel like times are very tough right now, and in some ways they always have been and they always will be, so Ill just say this if theres a place that feels like home that you can go back to and laugh with your friends, consider yourself lucky, and I do, she said. And to that little AI robot watching TV right now who wants to be on this stage someday, I say to you, Beep boop beep boop. Which translates to, Youll never be able to write a joke, you stupid robot.'

She added, And I am willing to do front full frontal, but nobodys asked me, okay!

Amy Poehlers monologue! pic.twitter.com/sVU485C5hJ

Saturday Night Live SNL (@nbcsnl) October 12, 2025 During the cold open, Poehler impersonated United States Attorney General Pam Bondi. She wasnt alone, though, as Tina Fey made a surprise SNL return to portray Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

The bit kicked off by poking fun at the Senate hearing that took place earlier this week. Poehlers Bondi introduced herself, noting, My name is Pam Bondi. I spell it with an I cause I aint gonna answer any of your questions. My time is valuable. The DOJ has many ongoing operations, and were moving like Kash Patels eyeballs very quickly in multiple directions at once.

She was later questioned about the presence of ICE in Chicago, to which Poehlers Bondi said, Youll have to ask Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem. Feys Noem then entered the shot.

Thats right, its me, Kristi, she said. I spelled my name with an I because thats how Ithoughtit was spelled.

Feys Noem added, And Im the rarest type of person in Washington D.C., a brunette that Donald Trump listens to.

Pam Bondi testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee pic.twitter.com/TGU9tUUBXT

Saturday Night Live SNL (@nbcsnl) October 12, 2025 But that wasnt Feys only feature on the second episode of season 51. She later joined Poehler and fellow SNL alumni Seth Meyers during the Weekend Update segment, where they took part in a joke off alongside Colin Jost and Michael Che.

Saturday night marked the third time the Parks and Recreationstar hosted the late night show. Poehler served as an SNL cast member from 2001-2008, and shes made several cameo appearances since her departure. Role Model joined as musical guest, with his own special guest in Grammy Award-winner Charli XCX.

Ahead of Poehlers SNL return, she starred in a promo video where she jokingly admitted she didnt know who any of the new cast additions were. Newcomers Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson and Veronika Slowikowska starred in the bit, which marks one of the only moments (so far) of season 51 that has lightly addressed this summers cast overhaul, which saw Ego Nwodim,Heidi Gardner,Michael Longfellow,Emil WakimandDevon Walkerexit the lineup.

So far, only the first three sets of hosts and musical guests for SNL season 51 have been revealed. Bad Bunny and Doja Cat kicked off shows premiere episode, while Sabrina Carpenter will pull double duty in both roles during the Oct. 18 show.