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Zohran Mamdani nearly landed a spot on Saturday Night Live during his mayoral run, according to people familiar with the discussions. The freshly elected mayor might have tested his stage presence outside City Hall, but producers ultimately chose a comedic actor to play him on air.
Why SNL passed on a mayoral cameo
Sources tell Page Six that Mamdani’s team pitched an appearance while he was campaigning. But SNL’s producers opted not to book him.
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Insiders say the decision came down to creative direction. The show favored performers who could deliver a set script and sketches, rather than real-life public figures in cameo roles.
How the sketch portrayed Mamdani
When the debate parody aired on Nov. 1, 2025, actor and comedian Ramy Youssef portrayed the newly elected democratic socialist.
- Ramy Youssef played Mamdani in the debate sketch.
- Miles Teller appeared as former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
- Shane Gillis took on Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.
The sketch landed with viewers, and Mamdani later shared clips showing him laughing with Youssef over FaceTime while the actor remained in costume. On social media he quipped that he had been “roasted” live from New York.
Booking talks and what was offered
Multiple sources confirm there were conversations about inviting the newsworthy participants from the debate — not necessarily sitting them together on stage.
“There are always discussions about anyone in the headlines,” one source explained. That window of opportunity often opens during campaigns, when late-night programs chase topical relevance.
After the sketch aired, those close to SNL indicated Lorne Michaels would still be willing to meet Mamdani off air. A representative of the show declined to comment on booking specifics when asked.
Why an in-person cameo is complicated now
Staffers say there has not been another formal pitch since Mamdani took office. His team could attempt to position him as a musical guest, though that route carries its own hurdles.
In the 2010s Mamdani recorded under the name Mr. Cardamom. Reports note his early tracks included controversial lyrics referencing the Holy Land Five, a case that later drew serious legal scrutiny.
Familiar faces who’ve hosted SNL
SNL has a long history of politicians and public figures stepping onto its stage. Examples include:
- Ed Koch — hosted in 1983 and co-hosted in 1984.
- Rudy Giuliani — hosted in 1997 and appeared after 9/11.
- Donald Trump — hosted in 2004 and again in 2015 during his first presidential campaign.
Those moments show the show’s willingness to mix politics with comedy, when timing and creative plans align.
New equal-time rules reshape guest decisions
A newly implemented FCC Equal Time Rule, effective Jan. 21, 2026, changes the calculus for inviting active candidates to broadcast programs.
The regulation requires broadcasters to offer comparable airtime to all candidates for the same office. Networks and producers now weigh legal exposure before booking politically active guests.
The rule took effect after Mamdani’s November election, limiting the spontaneity of political cameos on broadcast television.
Reactions and next steps
SNL sources say Lorne Michaels remains open to meeting the mayor off camera. Mamdani’s office did not respond to requests for comment.
For now, the sketch that aired with Youssef playing the mayor stands as the public’s most visible SNL take on the new administration. Bookings that involve serving elected officials will likely be approached more cautiously going forward.
