This Sunday marks a significant milestone as “Saturday Night Live” commemorates its 50th anniversary with a star-studded special titled “SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration.” This three-hour event promises to take viewers on a nostalgic journey, highlighting the moments that have established the NBC variety show as a pivotal part of pop culture.
The celebration will kick off at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock, with red carpet coverage beginning an hour earlier. Notable SNL alum Leslie Jones will host alongside “Sunday TODAY’s” Willie Geist and comedian Matt Rogers, conducting interviews with some of the biggest names in entertainment.
The special will spotlight a mix of current cast members and a host of legendary alumni. Fans can expect appearances from original cast members like Chevy Chase, Garrett Morris, Jane Curtin, and Laraine Newman. They will be joined by a stellar lineup including Adam Sandler, Amy Poehler, Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, and many more.
Molly Shannon expressed her excitement for the event, revealing on NBC’s “TODAY” show, “There’s nothing like live performance… I forget the adrenaline. So it’s so exciting. But it feels like coming home.” This sentiment resonates with many as “SNL” has played a role in shaping careers and creating iconic comedic moments over its five decades on air.
Additionally, a plethora of star-studded guests is expected, including Adam Driver, Bad Bunny, Dave Chappelle, Paul McCartney, and Tom Hanks, adding extra flair to the milestone event.
The extensive planning for the special has been ongoing, with cast member Mikey Day indicating that the event, which Lorne Michaels is orchestrating, is anticipated to be massive. “Oh, my gosh, it’s going to be insane,” he remarked in a recent interview.
Leading up to the anniversary celebration, a weekend-long programming block has been curated. This includes the “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert,” a live event featuring popular artists which will air on Friday, and a re-broadcast of the very first episode of “SNL” on Saturday, originally aired in 1975.
In addition to on-screen festivities, Peacock offers a collection of documentaries that delve into the show’s cultural impact. Notably, “Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music” explores the musical history of the show, while “SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night” examines its evolution and significance in comedy.
With this anniversary celebration, “Saturday Night Live” not only reflects on its rich history but also reaffirms its status as a cultural phenomenon. As the evening unfolds, viewers can expect a heartfelt tribute to the legacy that has brought joy and laughter to audiences for half a century.