“Saturday Night Live” marked its 50th anniversary with a sharp and entertaining episode featuring Amy Poehler as host. The comedy veteran, who was part of the cast from 2001 to 2008, returned to the iconic stage and revived her version of Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. The sketch imagined a fiery Senate hearing, where Bondi faced tough questions about President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops against Americans.

Poehler’s Bondi stayed true to her combative persona. When asked to justify the president’s move, she replied with perfect deadpan: “Before I don’t answer, I’d like to insult you personally.”

Tina Fey Joins as Kristi Noem

Adding to the nostalgia, Tina Fey made a surprise appearance as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Dressed in tactical gear and carrying an assault-style rifle, Fey’s Noem pitched for new recruits to join ICE, asking absurd questions like, “Do you need a job now?” and “Do you take supplements you bought at a gas station?” She ended the segment with a punchline that hit just right: “Then buckle up and slap on some Oakleys, big boy. Welcome to ICE.”

A Night of Nostalgia and Wit

Hosting for the third time, Poehler took the audience down memory lane. In her monologue, she reflected on her early days watching “SNL” as a kid in Burlington, Massachusetts. “It’s always a dream come true to be here,” she said. “I remember watching the show in the ’70s, thinking, I want to be an actress someday — at least until they invent an AI actress who’s funnier and willing to do full-frontal.”

Poehler’s tone then shifted from humor to warmth as she shared a thought on belonging and gratitude. “If there’s a place that feels like home, where you can go back to laugh with your friends, consider yourself lucky — and I do,” she said.

Before wrapping her monologue, she took a playful jab at artificial intelligence. Speaking to her imagined AI counterpart, she joked, “To that little robot watching TV right now who wants to be on this stage someday, I say: Beep, boop, beep beep. Which translates to: You’ll never be able to write a joke, you stupid robot!”

Reunion Moments and a Touch of Chaos

The episode was packed with cameos. Aubrey Plaza, a former intern and “Parks and Recreation” co-star, joined in a parody of Netflix’s “The Hunting Wives,” which the show humorously introduced as “the straight but lesbian horny Republican murder drama.”

Later, “Weekend Update” turned into a nostalgia fest. Seth Meyers, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler reunited behind the desk, joining Colin Jost and Michael Che for a comedic quiz show-style face-off.

A Heartfelt Tribute and a Musical Note

The night closed on a tender note as “SNL” paid tribute to Oscar-winning actor Diane Keaton, who passed away at 79. The episode ended with her portrait displayed onscreen.

Singer Role Model performed “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out,” joined by Charli XCX. Next week, singer Sabrina Carpenter will pull double duty as both the host and musical guest.