Cecily Strong made a surprise return to Saturday Night Live in the show’s penultimate episode, bringing back one of her most memorable characters — Jeanine Pirro. The former cast member hadn’t been a regular on the show for a while, but her cold open appearance proved she still owns the kind of sharp, political comedy that SNL thrives on.
Strong’s Pirro Impersonation Hit New Peak With Recent Political Twist
Strong’s portrayal of the Fox News alum and now interim U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C. was timely and biting. With Donald Trump (played by James Austin Johnson) still a staple in SNL sketches, Strong slipped right back into the dynamic that made her Pirro so effective — a mix of over-the-top aggression and absurd patriotism.
As Trump gleefully praised Pirro’s TV presence over her legal skills, Strong delivered lines that felt both familiar and freshly relevant. She joked about her new role in the Justice Department by calling it a “group full of Russian assets, boozehounds and people famous for the little baby animals they’ve killed.” It was classic Strong — reusing the energy of past sketches but giving it new teeth with current events.
The Cold Open Turned Into A Mini Political Satire Event
What began as a sweet Mother's Day tribute with Kenan Thompson, Marcello Hernández, and Bowen Yang quickly morphed into a chaotic punch of political humor. Johnson’s Trump interrupted the bit with his usual mix of misplaced bravado and nonsensical logic. His jokes about the new Pope Leo XIV, the Vatican, and sending J.D. Vance “back to do his thing” landed just sharp enough to sting without derailing the pace.
Then came Strong’s Pirro, breaking in with a wine cozy gag — another nod to her old Weekend Update bits where she’d casually spoil her drink for comedic effect. And spoil it she did, once again. When Colin Jost appeared as Pete Hegseth, she didn’t miss the opportunity to spit wine into his mouth, turning the moment into a deliciously absurd power play. It was a small bit, but one that resonated with longtime fans of her work on the show.
Coming Back Just Weeks After Motherhood Adds Another Layer
Strong’s return is even more impressive considering it came just five weeks after she gave birth to her daughter. She hasn’t shied away from sharing her joy about motherhood on social media, but stepping back into one of TV’s most high-pressure live environments so soon speaks to her dedication — and comfort — with the SNL stage.
It wasn’t a full guest spot, but the impact of her cameo was undeniable. She didn’t need a monologue or multiple sketches to make her mark. Just one cold open, one character, and a few well-timed lines were enough to remind everyone why she’s one of the sharpest comics in the SNL alumni circle.
What Cecily Strong’s Return Means For Her Future And SNL’s Legacy
Strong’s Jeanine Pirro may be a recycled character, but that doesn’t make it stale. In fact, the relevance of her satire grows with every new development in the political world. Her presence on the show this late in season 50’s run also raises questions about where SNL is headed and how it plans to integrate past cast members into its evolving identity.
For now, Strong’s comeback serves as a reminder that some characters — and some comedians — don’t lose their edge, no matter how long they’ve been away. And for a show like SNL, which often struggles to balance legacy with innovation, that kind of sharp, grounded humor is worth holding onto.
Whether this was a one-off nostalgic gift or a tease of more returns to come, Cecily Strong made sure her next chapter is being written with the same confidence and wit that defined her time on SNL. And that’s all anyone can ask for.