NEW YORK – The 50th anniversary of “Saturday Night Live” is such a monumental event that it won’t fall on a Saturday.
The special titled “SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration” is set to air on Sunday for three hours, featuring numerous stars who have contributed to the series’ lasting impact on pop culture. Among the alumni participating are Tina Fey, Eddie Murphy, and several original cast members, including Chevy Chase, Garrett Morris, Jane Curtin, and Laraine Newman, alongside notable hosts like Dave Chappelle and Steve Martin.
In addition to its star-studded lineup, the celebration will include musical performances from artists such as Paul McCartney, Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, and Miley Cyrus. This special event will last double the length of the traditional 90-minute “SNL” episodes.
For viewers looking to join the celebration, “SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration” is scheduled to air on NBC starting at 8 p.m. Eastern and 5 p.m. Pacific. This tribute will also be available for streaming on Peacock.
The list of “SNL” alumni expected to make an appearance is extensive. NBC has confirmed that alongside Murphy and Fey, fans can look forward to seeing Adam Sandler, Amy Poehler, Andy Samberg, Chris Rock, Fred Armisen, Jason Sudeikis, Jimmy Fallon, Kate McKinnon, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Molly Shannon, Pete Davidson, Seth Meyers, Tracy Morgan, and Will Ferrell. Kenan Thompson, a current cast member, is also expected to appear.
Many notable hosts are set to return for this significant milestone, including Steve Martin, who has had a profound influence on the show over the years. Other famous faces making a comeback include Tom Hanks, Martin Short, Scarlett Johansson, and athletes such as Peyton Manning. Additionally, former “SNL” writer John Mulaney and other prominent stars like Adam Driver, Ayo Edebiri, Kim Kardashian, Paul Simon, Pedro Pascal, Quinta Brunson, Robert De Niro, and Woody Harrelson will also join the festivities.
It’s important to note that there won’t be a regular episode of “Saturday Night Live” airing this week. The last live episode showcased Timothée Chalamet on January 25, where he not only hosted but also performed Bob Dylan songs in preparation for his role as Dylan in the Oscar-nominated film “A Complete Unknown.” Fans wishing to relive history can tune in on Saturday night at the usual time for the very first episode of “SNL,” featuring George Carlin, which originally aired in October 1975.
Music has always played a vital role in “SNL,” and a wide array of global artists will be part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations. Although NBC has not confirmed specific performances from artists like McCartney, Cyrus, and Bad Bunny, there will be other opportunities for music lovers to celebrate. For instance, NBC plans to stream “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert” on Friday night, featuring performances from the Backstreet Boys, Lady Gaga, Post Malone, and others, starting at 8 p.m. Eastern and 5 p.m. Pacific.
Additionally, “Ladies and Gentlemen … 50 Years of SNL Music,” a documentary about the musical legacy of “SNL,” narrated by Oscar-winner Questlove, is currently available for streaming on Peacock. Questlove has expressed how the early seasons of “SNL” shaped his musical perspective, saying it provided him with a vocabulary that he feels might not have developed otherwise.
The original cast of “Saturday Night Live,” known as the Not Ready for Prime Time Players, included icons like Chevy Chase, Gilda Radner, John Belushi, and others. Sadly, Radner and Belushi have passed away. Dan Aykroyd’s absence among the returning alumni is uncertain, despite his enthusiasm expressed on social media regarding the anniversary.
For dedicated fans, Peacock has also launched a four-part documentary series titled “SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night,” further celebrating the show’s remarkable journey.
