Amy Poehler & Aubrey Plaza Go Wild in SNL's 'Hunting Wives' Parody!

Amy Poehler brought her Parks and Recreation pal Aubrey Plaza to Saturday Night Live for a hilarious, over-the-top spoof of Netflix's 'The Hunting Wives,' and the real cast couldn't get enough!

TL;DR

• Amy Poehler hosted SNL on October 11, 2025, and teamed up with Aubrey Plaza, Chloe Fineman, and other cast members for a fake "Season 2 trailer" of Netflix's hit drama, The Hunting Wives.
• The parody perfectly captured the "straight-but-lesbian, horny Republican murder drama" vibe of the original, with outrageous wigs, sensual "teaching moments," and a hilarious lesbian reveal by Plaza's character.
• The actual cast of The Hunting Wives, including Malin Akerman and Brittany Snow, were absolutely thrilled, sharing their enthusiastic reactions across social media.

"Saturday Night Live" Delivers a Hilarious "Hunting Wives" Takeover

When Saturday Night Live decides to parody a show, you know it's hit the big time. And that's exactly what happened on October 11, 2025, when the legendary sketch comedy series, hosted by none other than the iconic Amy Poehler, took aim at Netflix's delightfully trashy drama, The Hunting Wives. This wasn't just any spoof, though – it was a star-studded reunion featuring Poehler's longtime friend and Parks and Recreation co-star, Aubrey Plaza, making it an instant fan favorite.

The pre-recorded sketch was framed as a "faux sneak peek" at the much-anticipated second season of The Hunting Wives, and it absolutely nailed the original show's unique blend of drama, sensuality, and Texan chaos. The narrator kicked things off by declaring, "Millions of Americans tuned into season one of The Hunting Wives, the straight-but-lesbian, horny Republican murder drama. And now, it's back for more!" If you've seen the Netflix series, you know that tagline is spot on!

Getting Down to the Naughty Details of the SNL Spoof

Poehler, sporting a "purposefully awful wig" that was a nod to the original, stepped into the role of Malin Akerman's character, Margo. Her grand entrance involved a blurred-out topless flash to Chloe Fineman's Sophie (parodying Brittany Snow's character), a cheeky reference to their characters' first encounter in the actual series. Fineman, along with Sarah Sherman and Ashley Padilla, perfectly embodied the other "hunting wives" with their overly sexual "teaching moments" and gratuitous thigh-touching.

The parody leaned into every hallmark of the Netflix hit. "All your faves are back, and they're as naughty as ever," the narrator teased, promising that "thighs will be squeezed, guns will be drawn." Even the infamous wigs from the original show got a shout-out, with the voiceover joking about hairpieces "that are doing their best," as Poehler comically adjusted her red coif mid-scene.

But the real showstopper was Aubrey Plaza. Her surprise cameo as "the new new girl" from California joining the group prompted huge cheers from the studio audience. The scene saw the women sensually demonstrating how to make a mimosa and handle a gun – classic Hunting Wives behavior. The hilarity peaked when Plaza's character revealed a crucial detail about her romantic life:

"I don't have a boyfriend, but rather, a girlfriend."— Aubrey Plaza's character in the SNL sketch

This revelation caused the other wives to recoil in exaggerated horror, immediately pulling their guns on her and shouting, "Lesbian?! This is Texas!" It was a perfectly over-the-top moment that captured the show's blend of sauciness and absurd conservative undertones.

The Real "Hunting Wives" Cast Gives Their Enthusiastic Approval

It's always a good sign when the subjects of a parody absolutely love it. And that's exactly what happened with the actual stars of The Hunting Wives! Malin Akerman (Margo), Brittany Snow (Sophie), Jaime Ray Newman (Callie), and Katie Lowes (Jill) were quick to share their ecstatic reactions on social media, proving they're all in on the joke.

Malin Akerman, who Poehler parodied, posted the sketch to her Instagram, writing, "Omg @nbcsnl this is the best thing I've ever seen!!! Hunting Wives Season 2 premiere (?!) Yessssss!!!!" Her enthusiasm was palpable and showcased her great sense of humor.

Jaime Ray Newman also shared the spoof, exclaiming, "SNL?!?! Mind officially BLOWN." Katie Lowes even shared a video of herself, Akerman, and Newman watching the sketch together in real-time, capturing their priceless reactions of disbelief and laughter. Brittany Snow joined in on the fun, replying to Lowes' post with one of the sketch's memorable lines: "It's just us and the beans baby!" Even May Cobb, the author of the novel the series is based on, shared the spoof, clearly enjoying the cultural moment.

The consensus was clear: SNL had successfully captured the essence of their show in a way that was both flattering and sidesplittingly funny. This kind of celebrity endorsement only amplifies the reach and cultural impact of both the parody and the original series.

Understanding the Phenomenon of Netflix's "The Hunting Wives"

For those who might be scratching their heads wondering what all the fuss is about, let's dive into what makes The Hunting Wives such a captivating, and indeed, parodiable, phenomenon. The Netflix series first premiered on July 21, 2025, and quickly became a global hit. It follows Sophie O'Neill (Brittany Snow), an East Coast woman who moves to East Texas with her husband after a deadly drunk-driving accident. There, she becomes entangled with the glamorous and dangerous world of her husband's boss, Margo Banks (Malin Akerman), and her elite group of friends.

The show quickly spirals into a "dark web of obsession, seduction, and secrets" involving drugs, illicit relationships, and, of course, a local teenage girl's murder. Critics and fans alike have described it as a "trashy drama," a "glossy murder melodrama," and even "horny Republican murder drama." Its over-the-top nature, intense female relationships, and steamy scenes have drawn comparisons to everything from You and Yellowstone to the classic '80s soap operas like Dallas and Dynasty.

Smashing Streaming Records and Securing a Second Season

Despite (or perhaps because of) its divisive nature and "problematic" depictions, The Hunting Wives proved to be a massive success for Netflix. The first season spent an impressive five weeks on the streamer's global Top 10 charts, racking up over 20 million views. Its ongoing popularity led to an early renewal for a second season, with Brittany Snow and Malin Akerman both confirmed to return.

The SNL parody only added fuel to the fire. Almost three months after its initial debut, The Hunting Wives surged back onto Netflix's global charts, securing the ninth spot overall and breaking into the Top 10 in 30 countries. This resurgence highlights the show's strong foothold in popular culture and the audience's eagerness for more Texas-sized drama.

Creator Rebecca Perry Cutter, who adapted the first season from May Cobb's 2021 novel, expressed her excitement to write beyond the book's storyline for Season 2. She stated, "I'm so excited to write these amazing characters again. And I can't wait to take the audience on another sexy, twisted, bats--- crazy ride through Maple Brook." Filming for Season 2 is reportedly set to begin in November 2025, with a projected release sometime in 2026. Fans are hoping for a shorter hiatus between seasons to capitalize on the show's sustained popularity.

Aubrey Plaza's Welcome Return to the Spotlight with Amy Poehler

Aubrey Plaza's appearance on SNL was more than just a comedic highlight; it was also a significant moment for the actress, who has maintained a relatively low profile throughout much of 2025. Her husband, writer-director Jeff Baena, tragically passed away in January, a loss that undoubtedly impacted her year.

This SNL appearance marked one of her rare public outings, following a brief appearance on the SNL50 telecast in February and a candid interview on Amy Poehler's Good Hang podcast in August. On the podcast, Poehler openly acknowledged Plaza's difficult year, saying, "You had this terrible, terrible, tragic year. You lost your husband. You've been dealing with that, and you've been looking for all different ways in which to feel and find support." Plaza, in turn, shared her current state of mind with her friend, saying, "Overall, I'm here and I'm functioning. I feel grateful to be moving through the world. I think I'm okay."

Seeing Plaza back on the SNL stage, sharing laughs and comedic chemistry with Poehler, was a welcome sight for fans and a testament to her enduring talent and resilience. Their long-standing friendship, forged during their Parks and Recreation days, clearly provided a comfortable and supportive environment for her return to sketch comedy.

Why This SNL Parody Resonates Deeply with Audiences

The magic of this SNL sketch lies not just in its comedic execution, but in its ability to tap into the very reasons The Hunting Wives captured so many viewers. It highlighted the show's unique blend of "prestige trash," where high production values meet deliciously melodramatic storylines. The parody understood that the show's "straight-but-lesbian" dynamic, the dramatic wigs, and the sheer audacity of its plot points were not flaws, but rather the very elements that made it so addictive.

By bringing together beloved comedic talents like Amy Poehler and Aubrey Plaza, SNL amplified the conversation around The Hunting Wives, introducing it to new audiences while delighting existing fans. It's a perfect example of how pop culture intertwines, with one piece of media celebrating – and poking affectionate fun at – another. As The Hunting Wives gears up for its second season, the SNL seal of approval has undoubtedly solidified its place as a talked-about, must-watch series.

Frequently Asked Questions About "The Hunting Wives" & SNL Parody

When did the "The Hunting Wives" parody air on "Saturday Night Live"?

The parody, titled "The Hunting Wives Season 2 Trailer," aired during the Saturday Night Live episode hosted by Amy Poehler on October 11, 2025.

Where can I watch "The Hunting Wives" real series?

The first season of The Hunting Wives is available to stream globally on Netflix.

What is "The Hunting Wives" about?

The Hunting Wives is a mystery thriller drama about Sophie O'Neill, an East Coast woman who moves to East Texas and gets drawn into a wealthy socialite named Margo Banks' glamorous and dangerous world, leading to a web of obsession, seduction, secrets, and murder.

Who is in the main cast of "The Hunting Wives" series?

The main cast includes Brittany Snow as Sophie O'Neill, Malin Akerman as Margo Banks, Jaime Ray Newman as Callie, and Katie Lowes as Jill. All are confirmed to return for Season 2.

When is "The Hunting Wives" Season 2 expected to be released?

While an official release date hasn't been announced, filming for Season 2 is reportedly set to begin in November 2025, with a release anticipated sometime in 2026.

What is the rating for "The Hunting Wives"?

The Hunting Wives is rated TV-MA for mature audiences, due to its themes of drama, mystery, and thriller, which include sexual content and violence.