Miles Teller took center stage in Saturday Night Live‘s latest cold open, delivering a sharp and memorable impersonation of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo during a parody of the New York City mayoral debate. Hosted on November 1, 2025, Teller’s portrayal balanced biting political satire with the humor and chaos characteristic of SNL’s best moments, reaffirming the show’s status as a cultural touchstone in political comedy.
The sketch unfolded as a fake NYC mayoral debate broadcast by Spectrum NY1, featuring Teller as Cuomo, Ramy Youssef portraying Zohran Mamdani, a real candidate known for his youthful, progressive stance, and Shane Gillis as conservative candidate Curtis Sliwa. Teller opened with a tongue-in-cheek reference to Cuomo’s controversial gubernatorial tenure: “You all know me. I got us through COVID and then yada yada yada, honk honk, squeeze squeeze,” alluding to Cuomo’s COVID-19 response and the sexual harassment allegations that marred his career. This self-aware humor echoed the complexities of Cuomo’s public persona and controversies while setting the tone for a spirited debate parody.
Throughout the cold open, the candidates exchanged humorous barbs, including repeated playful mispronunciations of Mamdani’s name — a comedic device highlighting the tensions and unfamiliarity among the candidates. When moderator Kenan Thompson asked why anyone would want “the worst job in the world,” Teller’s Cuomo quipped, “As we all know, as soon as you are elected mayor, everyone in the city immediately hates you. And in that way, I’m already one step ahead of the game.” This moment underscored the perennial challenges tied to leading New York City, one of the world’s most complex urban centers.
Ramy Youssef’s Mamdani brought a fresh, satirical energy, breaking the fourth wall and addressing the audience as “girl” with a pointed message that mixed progressive politics and urban gentrification awareness: “Hey, girl, I know you got a little white guilt for gentrifying that Spanish neighborhood… Why don’t you hit me up at the ballot box, girl?” This blend of political biting and cultural critique resonated with younger demographics and reflected a growing trend of integrating social media vernacular into political discourse, a theme SNL has deftly explored in recent years.
The parody also lampooned Curtis Sliwa’s real-life anecdotes, notably his claim of having been shot multiple times in a yellow cab, mirroring the unconventional and often unpredictable storytelling found in NYC politics. The inclusion of James Austin Johnson as former President Donald Trump crashed the debate in classic SNL fashion, humorously declaring, “It’s me!” and claiming he was “lurking in the shadows” of New York politics like the “Phantom of the Opera.” Johnson’s Trump character added a layer of national political satire, reinforcing the city’s status as a microcosm for larger political dynamics.
Context and Cultural Impact
Miles Teller’s role as Cuomo arrives at a time when political satire continues to play a crucial role in public engagement and cultural commentary. SNL remains influential in shaping political narratives through comedy, often reflecting the electorate’s frustrations and hopes. This particular sketch demonstrated how late-night programming can navigate sensitive issues like sexual misconduct allegations and urban policy debates with humor that is both accessible and insightful.
The NYC mayoral race itself has garnered substantial media attention for its wide-ranging field and ideological diversity, with candidates like Zohran Mamdani representing a new generation of progressive politics challenging established norms. By incorporating such figures into its satire, SNL highlights shifts in political culture and voter priorities, especially among urban voters in a post-pandemic landscape.
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Teller’s hosting of SNL marked his second time as host since his notable performance in the blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick, which continues to draw high box office numbers and critical acclaim. His appearance underlines the ongoing trend of major film stars crossing into television comedy, blending star power with topical content.
The episode also featured musician Brandi Carlile, whose inclusion complements the show’s mix of music and satire, underscoring SNL’s role as a multi-faceted platform for entertainment and cultural expression.
For a closer look at how the debate spoof fits within current NYC politics and entertainment, readers can explore the full segment hosted on the SNL YouTube channel and follow detailed coverage on major entertainment outlets such as Variety. To stay updated on related entertainment news and cultural analysis, read more on Globally Pulse Entertainment.
