Maya Rudolph Returns as Kamala Harris on SNL Amid 2024 Campaign

Maya Rudolph is set to reprise her Emmy-winning portrayal of Vice President Kamala Harris on 'Saturday Night Live' as the show gears up for the 2024 presidential campaign. Production for her Apple TV+ series 'Loot' has been delayed to accommodate her SNL schedule.

Maya Rudolph makes a highly anticipated return to 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL) as she reprises her role as Vice President Kamala Harris. This move comes as the NBC comedy show prepares to cover the final stretch of the 2024 presidential campaign, according to Deadline.

Rudolph's portrayal of Harris has earned widespread acclaim, including an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in 2020. The character, affectionately dubbed 'Mamala,' has become a fan-favorite, particularly since Harris became the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee following President Joe Biden's withdrawal on July 21.

Fans advocated for Rudolph's SNL return, and their wishes have been granted. According to Deadline, pre-production for Season 3 of her Apple TV+ comedy series 'Loot', initially slated to begin on August 26, has been postponed to allow for her SNL commitments.

The series, produced by NBC's Universal Television, will see its schedule adjusted to fit Rudolph's SNL duties. This scheduling flexibility is possible as both SNL and 'Loot' are products of Universal Television and Lorne Michaels' Broadway Video, Deadline reports.

SNL's 50th season will premiere on September 28. Rudolph's return follows her impactful role during the 2020 Presidential election, when she and Jim Carrey, who played Joe Biden, featured prominently throughout the season.

Carrey even relocated to New York to be closer to the SNL production. Rudolph's debut as Harris came in a memorable cold open on December 21, 2019, during an episode hosted by Eddie Murphy.

Her portrayal rapidly gained popularity, becoming a viral meme and cementing her status in political satire. She reprised the role several times post-2020 election, including during her March 2021 hosting of SNL, which earned her a second Emmy for Guest Actress in a Comedy Series.

Currently, Rudolph is nominated for four Emmys, including Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for 'Loot' and Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her latest SNL appearance. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)