Saturday Night Live expressed its solidarity to the people of Ukraine with an emotional opening of their latest show.
Comedian John Mulaney, 37, was hosting the American show for a fifth time on Saturday night, just days after the Russian invasion of their neighbouring country Ukraine on Thursday.
Saturday Night Live ditched its usual cold open for a performance by the Ukrainian Chorus Dumka of New York performing the Ukrainian national anthem.
The song derives from a 19th century Ukrainian poem titled 'Ukraine Is Not Dead Yet.'
After the emotional rendition, cameras then panned to a set of candles positioned to spell out the word 'Kyiv' referring to the Ukrainian capital currently under siege.
Cast members Kate McKinnon and Cecily Strong wrapped up the moving performance with the tradition tagline: "Live from New York, it's Saturday night."
New dad and former SNL writer John Mulaney was in charge of proceedings on Saturday night, opening with a monologue that discussed his newfound sobriety and relationship with actress Olivia Munn.
The comic checked into a drug rehabilitation centre in Pennsylvania for alcoholism, cocaine addiction, and prescription drug abuse in December 2020.
The following year, he announced his split from his wife of seven years Annamarie Tendler, going on strike up a romance with Magic Mike star Olivia.
John and the actress welcomed their first child into the world in November 2021, a son named Malcom.
Speaking on Saturday night, the comedian opened up about bonding with his newborn baby.
"We were in the delivery room…my girlfriend had just given birth. They put him on this warmer under this really bright light…he just looks up at the light," John explained on stage, covering his eyes with his arm and squinting.
He continued: "He was annoyed but he didn’t say anything.
"I was like 'That’s my son'. A polite man in an uncomfortable situation that’s not going to make a fuss."
The dad-of-one loving added: "He’s a very good boy."
John and Olivia reportedly met at a California church and began dating weeks after his marriage split was confirmed.
Ex-wife Anna said at the time of the break up: "I am heartbroken that John has decided to end our marriage. I wish him support and success as he continues his recovery."
During his Saturday Night Live hosting stint, John didn't mention his divorce, which was finalised in January 2022, but did crack a few jokes about his ongoing recovery.
The stand-up comic recalled his stay in rehab, explaining to viewers how he had to block all his drug dealer's phone numbers.
John revealed that when looking back on his past conversations, it turns out one of his 'dealers' had actually been a painter he kept unsuccessfully asking for drugs from.
"All the time, drug dealers turn an innocent man into a drug addict. I might be the first drug addict to turn an innocent man into a drug dealer," he joked.
He moved on to happier topics, adding: "Life is a lot better and happier now. I have a 12-week-old son. I'm very excited."
