The 506th episode of Saturday Night Live and the season premiere of Season 27 premiered on September 29, 2001, hosted by actress Reese Witherspoon with musical guest Alicia Keys. This was Reese Witherspoon’s hosting debut and Alicia Keys made her musical guest debut on SNL.
This is the first episode to air following the September 11 attacks. In place of a typical comedic cold open, the opening features Paul Simon performing his song "The Boxer" in front of several FDNY firefighters. Lorne Michaels appears with then-NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani, who encourages the show to carry on and keep doing it's thing. Michaels asks if they're allowed to be funny, to which Giuliani responds "why start now?"
Reese Witherspoon’s goodnights speech is "Thank you so much to Alicia Keys and Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, Paul Simon, and the New York City Fire Department, The EMS, The Police Department, and the Port Authority Police. Thank you so much to the cast and crew and all the writers, and Lorne, it’s been an amazing week and you guys made me laugh, so thank you".
Cold Open Sketch Pre-recorded Weekend Update Music Performance Other
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Summary
9/11 Tribute Cold Open
New York Mayor Rudolph Guiliani pays tribute to the lives lost on September 11th by acknowledging the members of the New York Fire and Police Department as heroes. Paul Simon sings “The Boxer.”
Opening Montage
The previous opening montage returns,but a shot from the preceding season’s montage of the New York City skyline with the World Trade Center visible has been digitally altered to remove the two towers, and there's an American flag early in another montage shot. Jerry Minor and Chris Parnell have been removed from the montage, since they were fired prior to this season, Rachel Dratch, Tina Fey, and Maya Rudolph have all been promoted to Repertory Status. Ana Gasteyer's clip has also changed, and Don Pardo nearly calls Tina Fey "Ana Gasteyer", so when Ana's clip shows up, he awkwardly says "Ana Gasteyer with Tina Fey". Additionally, Dean Edwards, Seth Meyers, Amy Poehler, and Jeff Richards are added to the cast, as featured players.
Monologue by Reese Witherspoon
Hosting for the first time, Reese Witherspoon cuts the tension by telling an off-color joke about a polar bear cub.
Preparation H
A group of skateboarding teenagers are proud users of the H ointment.
Wake Up Wakefield!
Megan (Maya Rudolph) introduces the new viewer window, then interviews Randy Goldman’s (Jimmy Fallon) girlfriend and Spanish Club President, Gretchen Doyle (Reese Witherspoon).
The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid (Reese Witherspoon) grosses out a sailor (Will Ferrell) with songs about her fish genitalia.
Alicia Keys performs "Fallin'"
Weekend Update with Jimmy Fallon and Tina Fey
With guest, Jesse Jackson (Darrell Hammond) explains how the Taliban called him right after 9/11.
Music Teachers: Commitment Medley
Marty Culp (Will Ferrell) and Bobbi Mohan-Culp (Ana Gasteyer) perform a medley for their niece’s lesbian wedding.
Celebrity Jeopardy!
Sean Connery (Darrell Hammond) competes against Anne Heche (Witherspoon) and Chris Tucker (Dean Edwards). Will Ferrell plays the game show host Alex Trebek.
Alicia Keys performs "A Woman's Worth"
Gassy Baby
A baby’s outrageous flatulence problem is the least of this sketch’s worries.
Donatella Versace For the Children
Donatella Versace (Maya Rudolph) releases a terrible children’s album.
Goodnights and Closing Credits
Reese Witherspoon thanked Alicia Keys, Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Paul Simon, the New York Fire Department, the EMS, Police Department and the Port Authority Police, the cast and crew, all the writers and Lorne, it's been an amazing week and they made her laugh.
Trivia[]
The first episode for writers Doug Abeles (Weekend Update writer) and Emily Spivey.