Ep 1. Rob Lowe/Eminem

The 26th season of the long-running comedy sketch series Saturday Night Live kicked off with an episode hosted by actor Rob Lowe and featuring musical guest Eminem. Lowe, known for his work in films such as St. Elmo's Fire and The Outsiders, as well as his role on the hit TV series The West Wing, was making his debut as SNL host. Eminem, then at the height of his popularity following the release of his third album The Marshall Mathers LP, was returning to the show for his second musical guest appearance.

The episode opened with a sketch featuring Lowe as George W. Bush, then the Governor of Texas and the Republican nominee for President in the upcoming 2000 election. The sketch lampooned Bush's lack of political experience and portrayed him as a bumbling fool, with Lowe delivering his lines in a deliberately exaggerated Texas twang. The sketch also featured SNL regulars Darrell Hammond as Al Gore and Will Ferrell as George H.W. Bush.

Other notable sketches from the episode included a parody of the game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, with cast member Tracy Morgan portraying a flamboyant version of host Regis Philbin. The sketch poked fun at the show's popularity and the contestants' desperation to win the grand prize, with Lowe playing a clueless contestant who is ultimately revealed to be a plant.

Another sketch featured Lowe alongside cast member Cheri Oteri as two overeager parents attending their son's college orientation. The sketch played on the stereotype of overprotective, helicopter parents who won't let their child out of their sight, even in college. Lowe and Oteri's characters repeatedly embarrass their son, played by cast member Jimmy Fallon, by asking embarrassingly personal questions and insisting on accompanying him to all his classes.

As the musical guest, Eminem performed two songs from The Marshall Mathers LP, "The Real Slim Shady" and "Stan". Both performances were highly anticipated, as Eminem's controversial lyrics and public persona had earned him both a massive following and a fair share of detractors. Eminem's performance of "The Real Slim Shady" featured him and his backing band dressed in matching white tracksuits, performing against a simple backdrop of flashing lights.

The episode also featured a Weekend Update segment with cast members Jimmy Fallon and Tina Fey. Fallon and Fey's chemistry as co-anchors was a highlight of the show during their time on SNL, and this episode was no exception. The segment featured topical jokes and commentary on the week's news events, as well as recurring characters such as Hammond's impression of Bill Clinton and Rachel Dratch's character Debbie Downer.

Overall, the season 26 premiere of Saturday Night Live was a solid episode that set the tone for the upcoming season. The combination of Rob Lowe's hosting duties and Eminem's musical performance made for an interesting mix of guests, with both making the most of their time on the show. The sketches were mostly hit-or-miss, but there were enough strong moments to keep the audience engaged. As always, the Weekend Update segment was a highlight, showcasing Fallon and Fey's comedic chemistry and sharpened political commentary.