Live from New York, it’s a nostalgic celebration of “Saturday Night Live”!
Mark your calendars for Sunday, when “SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration” will air, taking viewers on a journey through the show’s rich history with a three-hour star-studded event. This special will commemorate all that made “Saturday Night Live” a pop culture icon.
How to Watch the Special
The anniversary special will stream live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock.
Red carpet coverage kicks off at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, hosted by “Saturday Night Live” alum Leslie Jones, “Sunday TODAY” host Willie Geist, and comedian Matt Rogers. They’ll interview some of the biggest stars hitting the red carpet.
Join the festivities online as well. Amilia Dimoldenberg, known for her viral chat show “Chicken Shop Date,” will stream the “SNL50: The Red Carpet” live on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), and TikTok.
Iconic Returnees
The milestone event brings together both current cast members and legendary alumni, promising a mix of old and new talent.
Among the original cast returning are Chevy Chase, Garrett Morris, Jane Curtin, and Laraine Newman. Their participation adds a pivotal layer of nostalgia to the celebration.
Other notable alums set to make appearances include Adam Sandler, Amy Poehler, Andy Samberg, Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy, Fred Armisen, Jason Sudeikis, Jimmy Fallon, Kate McKinnon, Kenan Thompson, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Molly Shannon, Pete Davidson, Seth Meyers, Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan, Will Ferrell, and Will Forte.
Molly Shannon shared her excitement and nervousness about the live performance. She appeared on NBC’s “TODAY” show, stating, “It’s so exciting. But I also forget I get nervous. There’s nothing like live performance.”
The current cast members are also expected to join the celebration, including Michael Che, Mikey Day, Andrew Dismukes, Chloe Fineman, Heidi Gardner, Marcello Hernández, James Austin Johnson, Colin Jost, Michael Longfellow, Ego Nwodim, Sarah Sherman, Kenan Thompson, Devon Walker, and Bowen Yang.
Celebrity Guests
The lineup of special guests for “SNL50” adds to its star power. Hollywood’s biggest names will pack the stage, ensuring a memorable experience.
Some confirmed guests include Adam Driver, Ayo Edebiri, Bad Bunny, Dave Chappelle, John Mulaney, Kim Kardashian, Martin Short, Miley Cyrus, Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Pedro Pascal, Peyton Manning, Quinta Brunson, Robert De Niro, Sabrina Carpenter, Scarlett Johansson, Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, and Woody Harrelson.
What to Expect from the Show
“SNL50” has been years in the making, and executive producer Lorne Michaels has hinted at its grand scale since its announcement. In a recent interview with Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager, Mikey Day joked about the magnitude, saying, “I believe every famous person in the universe will be there. It’s wild.”
The special will feature iconic sketches and surprise appearances from both past and present cast members as well as celebrity guests. Fans of the show can look forward to a blend of memorable moments and brand-new revelations.
Residents and tourists alike can witness a revisit of SNL’s 40th anniversary special, which electrified audiences in 2015 with poleside performances, emotional moments, and groundbreaking sketches. One of the most notably highlighted moments came in “The Californians” skit, where Bradley Cooper and Betty White delivered a memorable, spontaneous performance.
SNL has officially dubbed the 50th anniversary special, “One Night, 50 Years in the Making,” setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.
Dana Edelson / NBC
Weekend of Nostalgia
Sunday night’s special is the climax of a weekend of anniversary programming, ensuring multiple opportunities for SNL fans to revel in the show’s history.
On Friday, Peacock will present “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert,” a live concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Executive produced by Lorne Michaels and music producer Mark Ronson, the show, hosted by Jimmy Fallon, features an ensemble of legendary and contemporary artists.
Artists performing include Arcade Fire, Backstreet Boys, Bad Bunny, Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, Brittany Howard, Cher, Chris Martin, Dave Grohl, David Byrne, Devo, Eddie Vedder, Jack White, Jelly Roll, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Mumford & Sons, Post Malone, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Robyn, Snoop Dogg, St. Vincent, the B-52s, the Roots, and Wyclef Jean.
On Saturday, NBC will re-air the very first episode of “Saturday Night Live,” which aired on Oct. 11, 1975. A behind-the-scenes look at the episode recently hit theaters in the form of Jason Reitman’s film “Saturday Night.”
NBC
For those looking for in-depth insights on SNL’s cultural impact, Peacock also offers streaming documentaries. “Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music” explores the show’s musical legacy through over 900 performances. Co-directed by Oz Rodriguez and Questlove, this documentary delves into how SNL has shaped the music industry.
“SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night” is a four-part series executive produced by Academy and Emmy Award winner Morgan Neville. This series features interviews with more than 60 contributors to SNL, providing behind-the-scenes looks at the show’s evolution and its lasting impact on comedy and television.
This anniversary celebration is shaping up to be a must-watch event, bringing together generations of fans and celebrating SNL’s 50-year influence on pop culture. Don’t miss out on this chance to experience firsthand what makes “Saturday Night Live” a true classic. Tune in, watch live, and share your favorite memories of the show on social media.
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