Jean Smart ‘SNL’ monologue makes fun of Eric Adams and lesbians

“Saturday Night Live” host Jean Smart kicked off the legendary sketch show’s 50th season this year with a monologue highlighting its hometown, the Big Apple.

Taking the stage in a sparkling pink pantsuit, the “Hacks” star said, “I can’t tell you how honored I am to host the season 50 premiere episode. It’s really incredible to be here.’ She added with a grin, “I’m not all dressed up and I’ve had hundreds of people clapping for me in days,” referring to her recent Emmy win for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

Smart reflected on watching the very first episode of “SNL” and thought to herself how she would one day host the show. “And this was the first Saturday that worked on my schedule,” she said with a grin. Recalling her beginnings in New York City as a young actor in her 20s, Smart joked, “I always consider New York home, even though I have a much nicer house in LA.”

She began to sing, highlighting the smells, sights and sounds of New York, as well as the changing seasons. “I love fall in New York… the color of garbage bags changes.” She also noted seeing Mayor Eric Adams in the news. “I didn’t read it, I’m sure it was something good.” (The mayor recently pleaded not guilty to federal corruption charges.)

Smart serenaded the audience in Studio 8H and sang “I Happen to Like New York,” in which she took loving jabs at the city and reflected on her popularity among lesbians. “Lesbians are obsessed with me,” mused the Emmy winner, whose “Hacks” character Deborah Vance appears in an episode of the Max comedy on a cruise for gay women.

Just two weeks ago, Smart won the Emmy for Lead Actress in a Comedy for her performance in Season 3 of “Hacks.” It was Smart’s third time taking home the gold for playing the fictional Vegas comic, and her sixth Emmy overall.

“It’s very humiliating, it really is. And I appreciate this because I just don’t get enough attention. I mean it,” Smart joked as she accepted the trophy.

Before Smart’s monologue, “Saturday Night Live” kicked off its 50th season with a cold open featuring the return of Maya Rudolph as Vice President Kamala Harris. The show also revealed Jim Gaffigan as her running mate, Tim Walz, and Andy Samberg as her husband, Doug Emhoff.

“SNL” is celebrating its big anniversary with a live primetime special on Feb. 16. The series airs on NBC at 11:30 PM ET and streams on Peacock.