‘Saturday Night Live’ celebrates 50 years with comedy, music and show’s many, many famous friends
As “Saturday Night Live” turns 50, some of the show’s biggest names – including Seth Meyers and Jason Sudeikis – name their favorite sketches from the iconic comedy show. (Feb. 14)
Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter duetted on Simon’s “Homeward Bound” to open the show, five-decade “Saturday Night Live” luminary Steve Martin delivered the monologue, and Paul McCartney gave an epic closing to a 50th anniversary special celebrating the sketch institution that was overflowing with famous former cast members, superstar hosts and legendary guests.
The 83-year-old Simon has been essential to “SNL” since its earliest episodes in 1975, and told the 25-year-old pop sensation of the moment Carpenter that he first performed “Homeward Bound” on “SNL” in 1976.
“I was not born then,” Carpenter said, getting a laugh. “And neither were my parents,” she added, getting a bigger laugh.
McCartney closed with the rarely performed song cycle from the Beatles’ “Abbey Road,” “Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End,” with its wistful ending, “the love you take, is equal to the love you make.”
Lil Wayne and Miley Cyrus were among the night’s other musical guests, though the show’s musical legacy also had its own night with a Radio City Music Hall concert on Friday.
“SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration” aired live from New York, of course, on NBC and Peacock. The pop culture juggernaut has launched the careers of generations of comedians including Eddie Murphy, Kristen Wiig and Will Ferrell, who all appeared in early sketches.
And the evening included epic cameos that included Meryl Streep, Jack Nicholson and Keith Richards.
Martin, one of the shows most prolific hosts and guests since the first season in 1975, tried to keep it current in the monologue even on a backward-looking night.
Martin said when the show’s creator Lorne Michaels only told him he’d be doing the monologue, “I was actually vacationing on a friend’s boat down on the Gulf of Steve Martin.”
He was joined by former “SNL” luminaries and frequent hosts Martin Short and John Mulaney, who looked at the star-studded crowd full of former hosts in the same Studio 8H at 30 Rockefeller Plaza that has been the show’s longtime home.
“I see some of the most difficult people I have ever met in my entire life,” Mulaney said. “Over the course of 50 years, 894 people have hosted ‘Saturday Night Live,’ and it amazes me that only two of them have committed murder.”
Later, on the night’s “Weekend Update,” anchor Colin Jost said there are so many former hosts and musical guests that wanted to see the show that many had to be seated in a neighboring studio and some had to watch “from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn” as a photo of Sean “Diddy” Combs appeared.
Martin took a jab at the always-difficult-to-wrangle Bill Murray in his monologue.
“We wanted to make sure that Bill would be here tonight,” Martin said, “so we didn’t invite him.”
Murray appeared on “Weekend Update” to rank the show’s anchors since they began with Chevy Chase. He poked at the whiteness of the group by first ranking its Black anchors, a list of just one, current co-anchor Michael Che.
The extravaganza came after months of celebrations of “Saturday Night Live,” which premiered Oct. 11, 1975, with an original cast that included John Belushi, Chase and Gilda Radner.
It’s become appointment television over the years as the show has skewered presidents, politics and pop culture.
“It is a honor and a thrill to be hosting weekend update for the 50th and if it was up to our president final season of SNL,” Jost said.
The show had its typical ending, with all involved looking exhilarated and exhausted on the studio stage. This night it was so crowded with luminaries it looked like it might break. Led by Short, they all applauded in tribute to Michaels, who created the show and has run it for 45 of its 50 years.
Alec Baldwin, the show’s most frequent host with 17 stints, appeared to introduce an evening of commercial parodies, seven months after his trial was halted and an involuntary manslaughter charge was dropped in the shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Aubrey Plaza made one of her first public appearances since the January death of her husband when she introduced Cyrus and Howard’s performance.
The 87-year-old Nicholson was once a constant in the front rows of the Oscars and Los Angeles Laker games, but is rarely seen out anymore. He introduced his “Anger Management” co-star Adam Sandler, who sang in his signature style about the show’s history. He gave a roll-call of cast members, giving special attention to several who have died, including his friends Chris Farley and MacDonald along with Radner, Jan Hooks and Phil Hartman.
It ended with, “six years of our boy Farley, five of our buddy Norm.”
The show didn’t have a formal “in memoriam” section, though it pretended to when 10-time host Tom Hanks came out somberly to mourn “SNL characters and sketches that have aged horribly.”
A montage began with the late Belushi’s “Samurai” character. The word “Yikes” appeared on screen in a sketch that included Mike Myers and a young Macaulay Culkin in a bathtub. A “body shaming” label appeared over the beloved sketch of Farley and the late Patrick Swayze as Chippendale’s dancers, and “slut shaming” appeared over one of the show’s earliest, catchphrases, Dan Aykroyd saying “Jane, you ignorant slut” to Jane Curtin. The current-day Aykroyd was a notable absence.
The oldest former cast member, 88-year-old Garrett Morris, appeared to introduce a film that showed the whole original cast.
“I had no idea y’all that I would be required to do so many reunion shows,” he said.
The first sketch featured a mash-up of former cast members and hosts. Fred Armisen hosted a “Lawrence Welk Show” that featured Ferrell as Robert Goulet.
Former hosts Kim Kardashian and Scarlett Johansson — Jost’s wife — gave an updated version of the elegant singing Maharelle Sisters with former cast members Ana Gasteyer and Wiig, who provided the traditional punchline “And I’m Dooneese” with a balding head and creepy, tiny doll arms.
It was followed by “Black Jeopardy,” hosted by the show’s longest running (and still current) cast member, Kenan Thompson, who called the game show the only one “where every single viewer fully understood Kendrick’s halftime performance.”
It showcased many of the show’s most prominent Black cast members through the years including Tracy Morgan and Murphy, doing a Morgan impression.
“Big Dog gonna make some big money!” Murphy-as-Morgan shouted.
Streep walked on as the mother of McKinnon’s constant alien abductee Miss Rafferty, with the same spread legs and vulgar manner.
Streep’s fellow all-time-great actor Robert De Niro paired with Rachel Dratch in a “Debbie Downer” sketch with its traditional trombone accompaniment.
Former cast member Amy Poehler and former lead writer Tina Fey, who partnered as “Weekend Update” anchors, led a Q-and-A with audience questions.
Ryan Reynolds stood, and they asked him how it’s going.
“Great, why?” he said defensively. “What have you heard?”
Reynolds and wife Blake Lively, sitting next to him, have been locked in a heated legal and media battle with her “It Ends With Us” director and co-star Justin Baldoni.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Adam Driver, Cher, Bad Bunny, Peyton Manning and Richards were also featured in the bit.
Poehler also paired with Rudolph for a revival of their mock talk show “Bronx Beat,” that featured Mike Myers as his mother-in-law-inspired, Streisand-loving character “Linda Richman.”
“Look at you, both of you, you look like buttah,” Myers said.
For more coverage of the 50th anniversary of “Saturday Night Live,” visit: https://apnews.com/hub/saturday-night-live
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Steve Martin’s opening sets tone for ‘SNL50,’ ‘Update’ keeps it rolling
Cameos and memorials
Sketches and bits jam-packed with former cast and hosts
___
What Time Is the SNL 50th Anniversary Special Tonight? [DETAILS]
Here’s everything you need to know about Sunday’s celebrity-packed Saturday Night Live celebration.
You’ve watched the documentaries, revisited 50(!) classic sketches representing five decades of SNL, and you might’ve heard how many cast members and former Hosts are planning to appear on NBC’s three-hour live extravaganza. And now the sketches are written, the celebrity guest list is finalized, and Studio 8H is about to be absolutely packed — SNL50: The Anniversary Special is finally here.
Watch Saturday Night Live Saturdays at 11:30/10:30c on NBC and Peacock, streaming next day on Peacock.
“There’s so many things I wish I could tell you,” cast member Chloe Fineman told NBC’s Mark Barger on the red carpet of February 14’s SNL: The Homecoming Concert.
“There are some appearances that I teared up about when I found out they would be a part of Sunday — and also, just the celebration of all of our greatest hits,” Fineman continued. “We rehearsed today — it was honestly one of the most fun rehearsals I’ve had in six years!”
Hours ahead of the broadcast, NBC confirmed additional big names who’ll participate this evening: Alec Baldwin, Ana Gasteyer, Billy Crystal, Cher, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Leslie Jones, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mike Myers, Miles Teller, Rachel Dratch, and Rev. Al Sharpton, “and more surprises.”
Below, you’ll find all the info you need for tonight’s big event — including what time the 50th anniversary show starts, as well as which stars and Saturday Night Live alum are slated to appear in what will surely be a historic — and cameo-filled! — evening.
RELATED: Tina Fey Confirms Four Big Names Writing for SNL50: The Anniversary Special
The three-hour program is set to air live across time zones on NBC and Peacock on Sunday, February 16, starting at 8ET/5pm PT.
And don’t miss the live one-hour red carpet event on NBC, E!, and Peacock ahead of the special, starting at 7ET/4pm PT!
It will broadcast live from Studio 8H in New York City’s 30 Rockefeller Plaza, SNL’s home since its 1975 debut.
Popular past Hosts, including many members of SNL’s Five-Timers Club, will be in the house. Here are the names confirmed to appear on February 16 so far, but count on a few unannounced cameos!
NBC can confirm the following former cast who’ll also be in Studio 8H for the historic night, including Tina Fey, who is among the iconic former staff writers who’ve returned to work on the special:
The one-hour red carpet event preceding the SNL50: The Anniversary Special will air live Sunday, February 16, starting at 7/6c, 4pm PT. It will be broadcast on NBC and E!, streaming on Peacock.
It is hosted by SNL alum Leslie Jones and TODAY’s Willie Geist, with correspondent Matt Rogers.
RELATED: The SNL40 Anniversary Had Taylor Swift, Betty White & Bradley Cooper in One Sketch
Chicken Shop Date’s Amelia Dimoldenberg will host SNL’s official red carpet livestream, which you can watch on the show’s YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok accounts.
The English presenter is creator and host of the popular web series Chicken Shop Date, where she’s interviewed a wide range of celebrities including Cynthia Erivo, Paul Mescal, SZA, Sabrina Carpenter, and Cher.
The NBC App is the best place to catch up on the most recent season of your favorite shows, watch live TV, and stream movies.
Main menu
What time is SNL50: The Anniversary Special on?
Where is SNL50: The Anniversary Special happening?
Which celebrities will be on SNL50: The Anniversary Special?
Which cast alums are returning for SNL50: The Anniversary Special?
Watch the SNL50: Anniversary Special red carpet
Recommended for You
2-Year-Old Mariska Hargitay Appears on the Merv Griffin Show
Ryan Gosling and Jimmy Fallon Deserve Oscars for Playing Identical-Looking Tough Cops
Scarlett Johansson Matches Katie Britt’s SOTU Energy in SNL Parody: Watch
Shop SNL Merch
Related Stories
SNL50: The Anniversary Special LIVE UPDATES
“Bronx Beat” Just Returned with Maya Rudolph, Amy Poehler, & Mike Myers’ Linda Richman
Meryl Streep Is Kate McKinnon’s Mom in SNL50 Sketch
Andy Samberg, Sabrina Carpenter, & Pedro Pascal’s “Domingo” SNL50 Sketch Is a Riot
Tom Hanks, Tracy Morgan, Eddie Murphy’s Black Jeopardy SNL50 Sketch
Dan Aykroyd Stepped into the SNL Spotlight in “Bass-O-Matic”
Saturday Night Live
How to Watch
Download the NBC App
Meryl Streep Gives the Middle Finger on Camera During Hilarious Moment with Martin Short at SNL Concert Event
The ‘Only Murders in the Building’ costars attended the concert together in New York City on Feb. 14
PEACOCK
Don’t mess with Meryl Streep!
The actress, 75, shocked viewers when she gave the middle finger on camera during Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary concert special, SNL50: The Homecoming Concert, in New York City on Friday, Feb. 14.
Streep made the hilarious gesture while sitting next to Martin Short at the event, held at the Radio City Music Hall, during a sketch featuring former cast members Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer reprising their SNL characters Marty and Bobbi Mohan-Culp.
As Ferrell, 57, said, “We have pretty significant floaters right now, but it doesn’t stop us from seeing so many middle fingers peppered in both the upper mezzanine and orchestra section. It’s just unbelievably rude,” Gasteyer, 57, replied, “We’re talking about you, Meryl Streep. We see you.”
With the camera then panning over to the Oscar winner in the audience, Streep raised her hand and flashed her middle finger, as Short, 74, and the audience laughed loudly.
TODD WILLIAMSON/CBS VIA GETTY
Streep and Short are longtime friends and current Only Murders in the Building costars.
The pair’s outing together at the SNL event comes months after representatives for Short shut down rumors regarding the nature of his relationship with Streep, after the pair appeared particularly close at the 2024 Golden Globes in January of that year.
At that time, a representative for Short told PEOPLE that the pair are “just very good friends, nothing more.”
In October 2024, OMITB executive producer and writer John Hoffman discussed the “unbelievable” chemistry between Streep and Short — on and offscreen.
“You know, it is one of the most unexpected turns but I remember thinking, like, ‘God.’ As I got to know Meryl, as I’ve known Marty, and as I watched the two of them work together in season 3, I just — it was unbelievable,” he told Decider, adding: “They just delighted in each other on screen, off-screen in every way.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
MICHAEL BUCKNER/GETTY
PEOPLE previously confirmed Streep’s separation from her husband Don Gummer after six years in October 2023.
Streep joined OMITB in season 3 as Broadway star Loretta Durkin. Short later told PEOPLE that it was “coincidental” that she joined the show as a love interest for his character.
The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!
The SNL50: Homecoming Concert special is now available to stream on Peacock.
