Ep 1. Charles Barkley/Nirvana

In the first episode of the 19th season of Saturday Night Live, former NBA star turned TV personality Charles Barkley hosts with musical guest Nirvana.

The episode kicks off with a cold open skit featuring the Clintons, Bill and Hillary, discussing their recent move to Harlem. Barkley appears as himself, bumping into the Clintons and sharing his thoughts on the move. The sketch starts the night off with a bang, with Barkley's comedic timing and impression of himself giving the audience a taste of what's to come.

In his monologue, Barkley jokes about his transition from basketball to television, ribbing his fellow athletes like Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal while admitting he's still adjusting to the art of comedy. The monologue is a bit rough around the edges, but Barkley's charm and enthusiasm for the task at hand keeps the audience engaged.

A standout skit of the night features Barkley as the head of the IRS, audited taxpayers filing into his office and getting subjected to his trademark trash talk. The sketch is cleverly written and Barkley delivers his lines with an endearing gruffness that will have audiences laughing out loud. The rest of the cast, including frequent collaborator Phil Hartman, play off of Barkley's energy and keep the scene moving at a brisk pace.

Nirvana's musical set doesn't disappoint either, with the band performing "Heart-Shaped Box" and "Rape Me" off of their then-new album "In Utero." Frontman Kurt Cobain's signature rasp is in full effect and his bandmates, Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic, keep up the high energy. The performance is a reminder of just how groundbreaking Nirvana was and how they left an indelible mark on the music industry.

The episode also features a few skits that will likely be hit or miss for viewers. One particularly cringe-worthy scene involves Barkley playing a high school student who wants to be a cheerleader. His overly effeminate gestures and lisp are played for laughs, but the joke falls flat and the skit drags on for too long.

Overall, the episode is a solid start to SNL's 19th season. Barkley's presence injects a refreshing energy into the cast and the audience, and Nirvana's performance is a treat for fans of the band. While not every skit lands, there are enough laughs and memorable moments to keep viewers entertained for the duration of the night.