Saturday Night Live fans got a surprise this weekend when Aziz Ansari popped up on their screens.

The 43-year-old comedian, actor and filmmaker became the latest celebrity to make a cameo appearance as a political figure in the show's cold open.

Ansari was playing FBI Director Kash Patel, who was introduced by Weekend Update co-host Colin Jost, who was in character as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

They joined first-time host Olivia Rodrigo, 23, who pulled double duty as SNL's musical guest.

Ansari, who was previously accused of sexual misconduct and took a hiatus from his comedy career, played Patel, in reference to the shocking shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner last Saturday night.

After Ansari's cold open, Rodrigo took a playful swipe at influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul, 29, during her opening monologue.

Taking the stage in a strapless, pale pink, corseted mini dress, she said: 'When I was 13, I was on a Disney show called Bizaardvark. 

'We had an incredible cast, which included Jake Paul. We'd always talk about our futures, me and Jake.'

She referenced Paul's fighting career as she continued, 'I'd say, 'I really want to create music that explores the complexities of girls my age.' 

And he'd say, 'Well, one day I really want to beat up old guys on Netflix.' And we both did it! Hurray!'

Fans had mixed reactions to the punchline, with one person writing on an X thread, 'This still mentions him in a somewhat positive, tame light and I don't like that… They should've not mentioned him at all.'

Another person said, 'Jake Paul really manifested 'beating up old guys on Netflix' and Olivia manifested Grammy-winning heartbreak anthems.

'Both succeeded, respect where it's due! Great SNL monologue moment.'

Another person simply expressed shock that the two stars' careers had crossed: 'She what??? No way. I need to look it up. omg.'

'That joke is perfect because it sounds ridiculous but it is literally accurate. They both manifested their paths in the funniest way possible,' wrote another fan.

There was also a viewer who praised Rodrigo's joke, writing, 'Might have to stan for this. She clocked him bad.'

Someone else added, 'I completely forgot they were coworkers and that she was even on his vlog channel back in the day.'

Rodrigo and Paul both starred on the Disney sitcom Bizaardvark which aired for three seasons from 2016 until 2019. 

The songstress had played the character of Paige Olvera and appeared on the show throughout all three seasons alongside other cast members such as Madison Hu, DeVore Ledridge and Ethan Wacker.

Paul portrayed Dirk Mann on the series but left after two seasons. 

The premise of the show followed, 'Best friends Paige and Frankie who express their offbeat individuality through funny music videos on their vlog channel "Bizaardvark,"' per IMDB.  

Elsewhere in the SNL episode, the Driver's License hitmaker performed Drop Dead, the lead single from her upcoming third album. 

Before taking the stage to perform the number, the singer-songwriter was introduced by Blondie frontwoman Debbie Harry, 80.

She looked youthful and stylish as she appeared in a yellow monochrome outfit.

The legendary entertainer donned a button-up shirt with a matching blazer draped over her shoulders.

The surprise cameo marked her first return to the sketch show in nearly 40 years.

Harry hosted the show on Valentine's Day in 1981, and returned as a musical guest in 1987. 

Another guest spot came from Heated Rivalry sensation Connor Storrie, 26.

The actor introduced Rodrigo as she debuted a new song, a ballad called Begged. 

After performing Drop Dead in a pale green and pale pink slip dress and ballet flats, the music artist returned to the stage in another airy outfit.

She sang on a swing, wearing an angelic pale pink tunic layered over a satin micro dress.

The Guts songstress added cream-colored leg warmers as she delivered an ethereal rendition of her song.

Rodrigo's triumphant return to the late-night show marked her third appearance, and her first time fulfilling hosting and musical duties.

She previously had two turns as a musical guest in May 2021 and December 2023.