Ep 11. Charles Barkley/Alicia Keys

Charles Barkley, the former NBA superstar, returns to Saturday Night Live as the host of the 11th episode of season 35. Barkley has previously hosted SNL four times before this, and he brings his signature charm and dry sense of humor to the show once again. Joining Barkley for this episode is Grammy-winning musician Alicia Keys, who serves as the musical guest.

The episode opens with a sketch that pokes fun at the Democratic primaries, with the various candidates trying to win over voters in Iowa. Barkley appears as himself, offering his services to any candidate who needs help winning over African American voters. The sketch features several of the regular cast members, including Kate McKinnon as Elizabeth Warren and Larry David as Bernie Sanders.

Another standout sketch from this episode is "The ESPN Classic," which parodies the network's coverage of classic basketball games. Barkley appears as himself once again, this time alongside Jay Pharoah as Shaquille O'Neal and Kenan Thompson as Michael Jordan. The sketch is notable for its spot-on impressions of these basketball legends, as well as its hilarious commentary on the game.

One of the standout musical performances of the night is Alicia Keys' rendition of her hit song "Empire State of Mind." Keys is known for her powerful vocals and soulful style, and she does not disappoint in this performance. The crowd is on their feet, singing along to the iconic lyrics and swaying to the rhythm of the music.

Other sketches from this episode include "What Up With That," a talk show spoof that features a musical performance from some of the cast members, and "Weekend Update," the show's regular news segment. The latter features the hilarious commentary of anchors Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler, who offer their unique takes on current events and pop culture.

Overall, Saturday Night Live season 35 episode 11 is a must-watch for fans of the show. With Charles Barkley returning as host and Alicia Keys as the musical guest, the episode is filled with laughs, great music, and standout performances. Whether you're a longtime fan of SNL or a newcomer to the show, this episode is sure to entertain and delight.