Coverage dated May 18, 2024

'SNL' cold open takes on Trump's post-court press conferences, VP choices and Hannibal Lecter

Headline from NBC4 Washington

The season 49 finale of "Saturday Night Live" began with a "message from former President Donald Trump," played by cast member James Austin Johnson

NBC4 Washington's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.

Reports & sources

10 articles, oldest first.

Rolling Stone
'SNL' Cold Open: Trump Wheels Out Hannibal Lecter, His 'Favorite' VP Pick (opens Rolling Stone)
Published May 18, 2024
Rolling Stone's feed description
The presumptive GOP nominee also auditions Kristi Noem and Tim Scott while outside his New York trial
NBC4 Washington
'SNL' cold open takes on Trump's post-court press conferences, VP choices and Hannibal Lecter (opens NBC4 Washington)
Published May 18, 2024
NBC4 Washington's feed description
The season 49 finale of "Saturday Night Live" began with a "message from former President Donald Trump," played by cast member James Austin Johnson
Deadline
Hannibal Lecter Rolled Out As Potential Trump VP Choice In Short & Sharp ‘SNL’ Season-Finale Cold Open (opens Deadline)
Published May 18, 2024
Deadline's feed description
The last show of the 49th season of the Not Ready for Primetime Players went out with a Trump bang & a bite
Variety
‘SNL’ Cold Open Riffs on Trump Trial and His VP Picks (opens Variety)
Published May 18, 2024
Variety's feed description
In the cold open for the 'SNL' Season 49 finale, James Austin Johnson portrayed former president Donald Trump at his NYC trial.

Identical headlines usually mean shared wire copy. They are counted as separate articles but are not independent confirmation.