Alec Baldwin returns to ‘SNL’ for first time since judge dismissed his ‘Rust’ involuntary manslaughter case

Alec Baldwin appeared on Saturday Night Live for the first time since he had his manslaughter charges from the fatal “Rust” shooting dropped.

The 17-time host returned for the fourth episode of SNL’s 50th anniversary season – portraying Fox’s Brett Baier in the show’s cold open.

Baldwin’s made-up mug was the first thing shown on screen and the live audience screamed, not sure whether they should applaud or gasp.

The Schweddy Balls scene-stealer played the Fox News personality opposite SNL-alum Maya Rudolph who portrayed Vice President Kamala Harris.

Baldwin’s Baier repeatedly interrupted Rudolph’s Harris, echoing criticism of the interview that suggested the host stepped on the candidate’s answers.

Alec even got in on the cold open’s punchline – “Live from New York, it’s Saturday night!” This is the forty-fifth time that Baldwin has said the phrase, according to Saturday Night Network. That puts him fifth all-time in that category.

Baldwin appeared on one episode of the show last season after relinquishing Trump-duties to cast member James Austin Johnson following the incident on the set of “Rust” in 2021.

Saturday’s episode was hosted by “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” actor Michael Keaton with musical guest Billie Eilish.