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Watch the ‘SNL’ premiere with Maya Rudolph’s Kamala Harris and Andy Samberg as NJ’s Doug Emhoff

Watch the ‘SNL’ premiere with Maya Rudolph’s Kamala Harris and Andy Samberg as NJ’s Doug Emhoff

An all-star cast of “Saturday Night Live” veterans showed up for the big premiere of the show’s 50th season.

Their mission: the all-important cold open, this time at the height of election season (see below).

Maya Rudolph returned as Vice President Kamala Harris and is now vying for the presidency. And his former “SNL” colleague Andy Samberg – currently starring opposite Kate Winslet in the film “Lee” – played Doug Emhoff, the second gentleman from New Jersey (Old Bridge and Matawan).

The role of President Joe Biden went to Dana Carvey, who previously played another president, George Bush, on “SNL.”

Comedian Jim Gaffigan, a fan favorite to play Tim Walz, enthusiastically took on the role of Minnesota governor and vice presidential candidate.

The role of Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance went to SNL lead actor Bowen Yang, while James Austin Johnson reprized the role of Donald Trump.

Steve Martin was another favorite for the role of Walz, but he turned the role down when “SNL” producer Lorne Michaels offered it to him.

“I wanted to say no and, by the way, he wanted me to say no,” Martin told the Los Angeles Times in August.

“I said, ‘Lorne, I’m not an impressionist. “You need someone who can really nail the guy. “I was chosen because I have gray hair and glasses.”

Gaffigan shared a clip from the cold open on Instagram on Sunday.

“Such an incredible ride,” he said – and he’ll be back for more.

Carvey shared a photo of part of his costume.

“The Biden wig was brilliant,” he said. “Thanks SNL.”

Jim Gaffigan plays vice presidential candidate Tim Walz on “SNL” this season.Will Heath | NBC

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Amy Kuperinsky can be reached at [email protected] and followed at @AmyKup.