The premiere of Season 28 and the 526th episode of Saturday Night Live, hosted by actor Matt Damon with musical guests Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band. This marked the first time that The E-Street Band and Bruce Springsteen are both the musical guests, as well as his 2nd musical guest stint, as well as the 2nd appearance and first time as host on SNL for Matt Damon.
Cold Open Sketch Pre-recorded Weekend Update Music Performance Other
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NBC Special Report Cold Open
Dick Cheney (Darrell Hammond) rides a Tomahawk missile flying toward Baghdad.
Opening montage
While the same as the last two seasons, but this season's montage was basically a "film negative" version of the 2000-2002 montage, using new effects when displaying the cast's title cards. Additionally, Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer are gone from the intro, since they left the show prior to this season. Additionally, the Repertory cast's first names also scroll across the screen capitalized. Horatio Sanz's clip was changed. Lastly, this is the first cast credit for both Fred Armisen and Will Forte.
the NRA says “happy hunting season” as the AFLAC duck is shot.
Brian Fellow's Safari Planet
porcupine & pot-bellied pig cause anxiety to Brian Fellow (Tracy Morgan). Will Forte (who was a new cast member) voiced an imaginary porcupine in the sketch.
NRA - Part II
the NRA says “take the safety off” as AT&T shill Carrot Top (Seth Meyers) is shot.
Springsteen Concert
Denise (Rachel Dratch) misses her chance to go “Dancing In the Dark” with Bruce Springsteen.
Hannibal Lecter (Matt Damon) in pre-prequel. First physical appearance of Will Forte in a sketch.
Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street Band performs “Lonesome Day”.
Weekend Update with Jimmy Fallon and Tina Fey
Red Sox fans Seth Meyers & Matt Damon give Yankee fans tips on how to cope with losing; Venezuelan comedian Fericito (Fred Armisen) says Jimmy Fallon should employ a catchphrase. Fred Armisen's first appearance on SNL.
Damons
Dr. Matt Damon (Chris Parnell) complains to namesake, celebrity Matt Damon about being overshadowed.
Versace Pockets
The extravagant way to enjoy a microwaveable meal.
TV Funhouse
“The Smurfette Show” by Robert Smigel - blue sprite behaves like Anna Nicole Smith.
Bruce Springsteen & E-Street Band performs “You’re Missing”.
Sex Robot
(Matt Damon)’s government-funded sex robot project has come to naught.
Dr. Phil
Dr. Phil McGraw (Jeff Richards) offers wacky counsel to guests on his show.