Saturday Night Live returned last night after almost a month-long break, and the episode kicked off with a very surprising and touching opener.
In the wake of Russia's invasions and attacks on the country of Ukraine, the sketch comedy show began with a tribute to Ukraine and its people. SNL comedians Kate McKinnon and Cecily Strong walked onto the stage at the beginning of the show and introduced a choir that was standing behind them.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the Ukrainian Chorus Dumka of New York,” they said together. This was followed by a performance from the chorus, who sang the song “Prayer for Ukraine.” At the end of the number, McKinnon and Strong returned to the stage, where they said, “Live from New York, it's Saturday Night” (in a more serious tone than the line is usually delivered). The camera then panned over a collection of candles that spelled out “Kyiv,” the capital of Ukraine and one of the cities that is currently under attack.
