Amy Poehler's Hilarious Struggle to Recognize SNL’s Fresh Faces Is Too Relatable! It’s always a challenge to keep track of the new additions to the iconic Saturday Night Live lineup, and Amy Poehler finds this out the amusingly hard way in SNL’s latest promotional clip. But here’s where it gets controversial—can even seasoned veterans truly keep up with the ever-changing cast?
The promo kicks off with first-time cast members Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska casually chatting at the Weekend Update desk. Their excitement reaches a new high when Amy Poehler herself steps in, with Veronika gushing, “She’s such a legend!” For a moment, it feels like Poehler genuinely recognizes them, filling the newcomers with hope.
And this is the part most people miss: Poehler’s recognition is just a clever act. As reality sinks in that she doesn’t actually remember these fresh faces, the mood shifts instantly. Amy masterfully sells the awkwardness, fabricating shared memories to mask her confusion. For example, she tells Patterson, “Remember when we used to tear it up back in 2005?” to which he deadpans, “I was six.”
You can’t help but laugh at this cringe-worthy but all-too-human moment—Poehler’s charm shines as she dodges getting caught out, reminding us that even TV legends have off days when it comes to recognizing new talent.
Looking ahead, Poehler is set to take the Studio 8H stage once again this weekend, October 11, marking her second solo hosting gig on SNL and her third overall. Beyond the show, she’s also known for her Emmy and Golden Globe-winning performances and as the host of the popular podcast Good Hang with Amy Poehler.
Musical act Role Model will make his SNL debut during this episode. Notably, he recently achieved his first Billboard No. 1 hit with “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out” topping the Adult Alternative Airplay chart—a promising spotlight for the rising artist.
Catch all the laughs and performances live on NBC this Saturday at 11:30 PM ET / 8:30 PM PT, or stream it live on Peacock. So, what do you think—should SNL veterans be expected to know every new comer, or is this kind of disconnect inevitable? Share your thoughts below!
