The Rise of James Austin Johnson on SNL
Since joining the cast in Season 47 of Saturday Night Live (SNL), James Austin Johnson has quickly established himself as a standout performer. His reputation has been particularly cemented by his strikingly accurate impressions, especially that of former President Donald Trump. Fans have come to anticipate his performances, eagerly awaiting how he will tackle current events through the lens of comedy.
The Impressive Range of Johnson’s Talent
While Johnson’s Trump impression has garnered much of the attention, his talent extends far beyond that single character. He has showcased a versatile array of impressions, from President Joe Biden to former basketball player Bill Walton and singer Bob Dylan. Each portrayal is not only technically impressive but also adds unique humor to the sketches, making him a multifaceted asset to the SNL cast.
A New Twist: Airline Pilot Voice
In a recent episode hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser on November 8, 2025, Johnson wowed viewers yet again with a fresh impression—an uncanny airline pilot voice. This sketch, titled “Pilot Announcement,” provided a humorous take on the everyday scenarios that take place aboard an airplane, revealing the inner thoughts of a pilot who might be just a bit too candid.
The Sketch: “Pilot Announcement”
In “Pilot Announcement,” the scene opens with a flight attendant (played by Nikki Glaser) addressing the passengers, prepping them for the prospect of a lengthy wait on the tarmac. The pilot, portrayed by Johnson, makes his entrance through an intercom announcement that is hilariously relatable.
Johnson’s character, with his smooth airline pilot cadence, informs the passengers about the delay: “Just got word from the tower, it’s gonna be a little bit longer here on the tarmac. Probably in about 15 minutes, I’ll come back on and tell you it’s gonna be two more hours.” The comedic timing is impeccable, setting the stage for the absurdity that follows.
The Abandonment of Standard Protocol
What sets this sketch apart is how the pilot veers off from standard protocol, sharing personal details that are unrelated to the flight itself. The audience learns about his romantic endeavors, including a mischievous text to a woman he met on a dating app. In a pitch-perfect mimic of a typical airline pilot’s voice, Johnson’s character divulges his anxiety about not receiving a response to his flirty text.
“Truth be told, can’t wait to get to Cleveland myself. Gonna be meeting up with a young lady out there,” he casually mentions, prompting laughter and surprise from the passengers. His character’s candidness about his dating life adds a whimsical twist to the scenario, blending humor with relatable human experience.
Catching the Audience Off Guard
As the couple reacts with an incredulous disdain to the ongoing saga of the pilot’s romantic life, it becomes evident that Johnson’s comedic genius lies in his ability to surprise the audience. His character’s admission of “deciding to double-text” resonates not just as a relatable moment but as an ironic twist in the context of the flight.
Critical Reception of Johnson’s Performance
Viewers and fans have taken to social media to express their admiration for Johnson’s performance in this sketch. The SNL YouTube account featured comments praising his uncanny delivery and uniqueness, with one viewer stating, “James Austin Johnson is DEFINITELY Phil Hartman’s long lost son, and NO ONE can make me change my dang mind!!!” This highlights how well Johnson has tapped into a specific comedic vein that has been beloved by audiences for decades.
Community Engagement and Social Media Buzz
The engagement on social media underscores the sketch’s popularity, with other comedians like Gianmarco Soresi sharing clips from the episode with simple yet enthusiastic captions such as “Loved it.” Such endorsements from fellow performers enhance Johnson’s status as a rising star within the SNL landscape. Observers are beginning to recognize him not just for his impressions but also for his originality and fresh comedic style.
The Value of Character-Driven Comedy
Johnson’s work demonstrates the value of character-driven comedy and its ability to resonate on multiple levels. By blending the absurdity of a mundane situation—a flight delay—with the hilarity of personal struggles, he craftily engages the audience.
The sketch is a perfect example of how Saturday Night Live continues to innovate and provide viewers with relatable yet outlandish content, keeping audiences coming back week after week.
Tune In to SNL
For those eager to catch James Austin Johnson’s latest antics and further explore the intricate world of SNL comedy, new episodes air every Saturday at 11:30 PM ET on NBC, with next-day streaming available on Peacock.