The Legacy of the SNL 9/11 Cold Open and the First Sketches of 2001

The first Saturday Night Live (SNL) sketch to air after the September 11 attacks occurred during the Season 27 premiere on September 29, 2001. Rather than a traditional comedy bit, the show opened with a somber tribute featuring Mayor Rudy Giuliani, NYC first responders, and Paul Simon, famously concluding with the permission to be funny again.

The Cultural Weight of the Season 27 Premiere

When the 27th season of Saturday Night Live was scheduled to begin in September 2001, the production team faced an unprecedented dilemma. New York City was the epicenter of a national tragedy, and the show—a cornerstone of Manhattan culture located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza—was physically and emotionally close to the devastation. For eighteen days, late-night comedy had largely gone dark. The question looming over the writers' room was not just what jokes to tell, but whether it was appropriate to tell jokes at all.

The premiere, which aired on September 29, 2001, remains one of the most significant broadcasts in television history. It served as a bellwether for the return of American normalcy. The episode was hosted by Reese Witherspoon with musical guest Alicia Keys, but the most enduring moment was the cold open, which defied the show’s traditional format of a satirical sketch leading into the "Live from New York!" catchphrase.

The Iconic Cold Open: A Tribute to New York

The cold open did not feature the cast members in costumes or a political parody. Instead, it opened on a darkened stage with legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon performing "The Boxer." The choice of song was deliberate; its themes of endurance, struggle, and resilience resonated with a city and a nation in mourning. Simon, a quintessential New Yorker, performed the acoustic track backed by a small ensemble, setting a tone of quiet dignity rather than the usual high-energy slapstick.

Following the musical performance, the camera panned to reveal Mayor Rudy Giuliani standing on stage, flanked by members of the New York City Police Department and the New York City Fire Department. At the time, Giuliani was widely praised for his leadership during the crisis, and his appearance on a comedy program was a signal that the city’s institutions were still standing.

Giuliani delivered a brief, heartfelt speech about the strength of New York City and the importance of the show’s return. He emphasized that the city was "open for business" and that the institutions of art and entertainment were vital to the spirit of the community. This set the stage for one of the most famous exchanges in television history.

"Can We Be Funny?" – The Turning Point

As the tribute concluded, SNL executive producer Lorne Michaels stepped into the frame to join Mayor Giuliani. Michaels, who has steered the show since its inception in 1975, asked a question that millions of Americans were feeling: "Can we be funny?"

Giuliani’s response—"Why start now?"—was a masterful stroke of comedic timing. It was the first genuine laugh the audience had experienced in the context of the show for weeks. By self-deprecatingly ribbing the show’s quality, Giuliani gave the cast, the writers, and the audience "permission" to laugh again. This moment effectively broke the tension and transitioned the program back into its role as a comedy institution.

The First "Real" Sketches of the Night

Once the cold open concluded and Reese Witherspoon delivered her monologue, the show had to transition back into scripted comedy. This was a delicate balance; the writers chose sketches that were largely "safe" and avoided direct references to the attacks, focusing instead on character-driven humor and established tropes.

The Luv Lovers (Model T)

The very first traditional sketch following the monologue featured Will Ferrell and Rachel Dratch as Roger and Virginia Klarvin, also known as "The Luv Lovers." This recurring sketch involved a pair of overly affectionate, pretentious academics who often made those around them uncomfortable with their graphic descriptions of their romantic life. By choosing a high-concept, absurdist character piece, SNL signaled a return to its usual brand of awkward, physical comedy.

Celebrity Jeopardy

Later in the episode, the show aired one of its most reliable "hits": Celebrity Jeopardy. Will Ferrell reprised his role as a long-suffering Alex Trebek, dealing with the inanity of Sean Connery (played by Darrell Hammond) and other celebrity contestants. This was a tactical choice; the Celebrity Jeopardy format was a fan favorite that provided comfort through familiarity. It allowed the audience to lean back into the rhythms of the show they knew and loved before the world changed.

The Impact on Satire and Politics

In the weeks following the premiere, SNL had to navigate a new landscape of political satire. For a time, "mean-spirited" humor was sidelined. The show’s portrayal of President George W. Bush, handled by Will Ferrell, shifted slightly toward a more "bumbling but well-meaning" archetype, reflecting the national mood of unity. It took several months before the show returned to the sharper, more cynical edge that usually defines its political commentary.

Comparative Analysis: SNL vs. Other Late-Night Returns

SNL was not the first late-night show to return to the air, but its return was perhaps the most scrutinized because of its live format and its deep ties to NYC. The following table compares how major late-night programs handled their initial post-9/11 broadcasts.

Why the 2001 Premiere Matters in 2026

Looking back twenty-five years later, the Season 27 premiere is studied in media courses as a masterclass in crisis communication and cultural management. It demonstrated the role of satire not just as a tool for mockery, but as a vital sign of a healthy, functioning society. The fact that the show survived and thrived afterward is a testament to the resilience of the format.

In 2026, as we analyze the history of television, the 9/11 episode stands out because it managed to honor the victims and the first responders without becoming a somber news broadcast. It maintained its identity as a comedy show while acknowledging that the world had shifted.

The Role of First Responders on Stage

One detail often overlooked is that the first responders on stage during the cold open were not actors; they were actual members of the FDNY and NYPD. Their presence served as a physical bridge between the reality of the tragedy happening blocks away and the fantasy of the television studio. When they collectively shouted "Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!", it wasn't just a catchphrase—it was a declaration of the city's survival.

Behind the Scenes: The Decision-Making Process

The decision to invite Giuliani and use Paul Simon was finalized only days before the airing. Lorne Michaels has since noted in interviews that there was immense pressure to "get it right." If the show had been too flippant, it would have been seen as disrespectful. If it had been too depressing, it would have failed in its primary mission to entertain.

The writers' room reportedly threw out an entire week's worth of material that had been developed prior to the attacks. The sketches that did air were chosen for their "evergreen" quality—meaning they could have aired at any time and weren't tied to the specific news cycle of early September. This provided a necessary escape for a viewing public that had been glued to 24-hour news coverage for nearly three weeks.

Technical Specifications of the Broadcast

For those researching the archival footage, the episode is categorized under the following technical and historical data:

• Season/Episode: Season 27, Episode 1
• Original Air Date: September 29, 2001
• Host: Reese Witherspoon
• Musical Guest: Alicia Keys
• Special Appearances: Rudy Giuliani, Paul Simon, FDNY, NYPD
• Runtime: Approximately 66 minutes (excluding commercials)
• Network: NBC

Common Misconceptions About the Episode

Several myths have persisted regarding the "9/11 sketch." It is important to clarify these for historical accuracy:

1. There was no "9/11 comedy sketch": The show did not mock the attacks or the terrorists in the first episode. The first time SNL truly lampooned the "War on Terror" and figures like Osama bin Laden was later in the season.
2. The show was not cancelled: While there were rumors that SNL might go on a long-term hiatus, the decision to return was made relatively quickly to support the local economy and morale.
3. The monologue was not about the attacks: Reese Witherspoon’s monologue was surprisingly standard, focusing on her career and her excitement to be hosting. This was a deliberate choice to pivot the show back toward "normal" entertainment as quickly as possible.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

What was the first joke told on SNL after 9/11?

The first scripted joke was Rudy Giuliani’s response to Lorne Michaels' question, "Can we be funny?" Giuliani replied, "Why start now?" This occurred approximately ten minutes into the broadcast, following Paul Simon's musical performance and the Mayor's introductory remarks.

Who was the musical guest on the 9/11 SNL episode?

Alicia Keys was the official musical guest for the Season 27 premiere. She performed "Fallin'" and "A Woman’s Worth." However, Paul Simon also performed a special rendition of "The Boxer" specifically for the cold open tribute.

Did SNL air on September 15, 2001?

No. Saturday Night Live was not in production on September 15. The show was on its summer hiatus, and the Season 27 premiere was already scheduled for late September. The attacks did not cause the cancellation of an existing live broadcast, but they did cast doubt on whether the premiere would proceed as planned.

How did the cast react to the 9/11 episode?

Many cast members, including Tina Fey and Jimmy Fallon, have stated in later retrospectives that the atmosphere was incredibly tense. They felt a profound responsibility to provide a "safety valve" for the public's bottled-up emotions. Most cast members stayed on stage or near the monitors during the cold open, many in tears.

Where can I watch the SNL 9/11 cold open today?

The cold open is widely available on the official Saturday Night Live YouTube channel and is included in the Season 27 archives on streaming platforms like Peacock. It is frequently featured in SNL anniversary specials as one of the most important moments in the show's 50-plus-year history.

Practical Recommendation for Viewers and Researchers

If you are researching this specific era of television, it is highly recommended to watch the full episode rather than just the cold open. Observing the transition from the somber tribute to the "Luv Lovers" and "Celebrity Jeopardy" sketches provides a unique window into the psychological state of the media in 2001. For a deeper understanding of the context, pair the viewing with the episodes of The Daily Show and The Late Show from that same week to see the different ways NYC-based creators processed the tragedy.

Understanding the "snl 9 11 sketch" requires recognizing that the "sketch" was actually a historic piece of performance art—a blend of music, politics, and comedy that helped a city find its voice again.