The Legacy of Saturday Night Live
For half a century, Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been a cornerstone of American comedy and culture, launching the careers of legendary comedians and musicians. In honor of its golden anniversary, SNL is pulling out all the stops with two massive events: SNL50: The Homecoming Concert and SNL50: The Anniversary Special. These historic celebrations will bring together the biggest names in comedy, music, and entertainment, reflecting on five decades of groundbreaking sketches, iconic performances, and unforgettable moments.
SNL50: The Homecoming Concert – A Musical Extravaganza
A Night of Iconic Performances
Set to take place at the legendary Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Friday, February 14, 2025, SNL50: The Homecoming Concert will feature a lineup of world-class artists who have graced the SNL stage over the years. This star-studded musical event pays tribute to the show’s deep-rooted influence on the music industry.
Confirmed Performers:
- Lady Gaga – The pop superstar, known for her theatrical performances, will bring her signature energy to the stage.
- Cher – The legendary diva will revisit the SNL stage, likely performing some of her timeless hits.
- Ms. Lauryn Hill – The iconic R&B and hip-hop artist, known for her powerful voice, will add depth to the night.
- Dave Grohl – A frequent SNL guest and rock icon, Grohl is expected to deliver an electrifying set.
- Miley Cyrus – Having hosted and performed on SNL multiple times, Cyrus is one of the show’s most recognizable musical alumni.
These artists, among others yet to be announced, will perform a mix of their biggest hits and potentially surprise collaborations, making the SNL50 concert an unmissable event for music lovers and comedy fans alike.
Where to Watch
Fans eager to witness this historic night of music and comedy can stream the event live on Peacock at 8 p.m. ET on February 14, 2025.
SNL50: The Anniversary Special – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Comedy Reunion
The Ultimate SNL Cast Reunion
The grand celebration continues on Sunday, February 16, 2025, with SNL50: The Anniversary Special, a three-hour live broadcast that will air on NBC and Peacock at 8 p.m. ET. This special will feature legendary sketches, hilarious new material, and heartfelt tributes to the show’s rich legacy.
Confirmed Appearances:
- Tina Fey & Amy Poehler – The beloved duo is set to reunite for what promises to be a hilarious segment.
- Seth Meyers – The former “Weekend Update” anchor will likely bring his signature wit and charm.
- Kenan Thompson – As the longest-running SNL cast member, Thompson’s presence is essential.
- John Mulaney – The former SNL writer-turned-stand-up superstar is expected to contribute both writing and on-screen performances.
- Bill Hader – Fans are speculating whether he will reprise his famous Stefon character.
Behind the scenes, alumni and current cast members have been participating in table reads and rehearsals at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, preparing for what is sure to be an unforgettable night.
Surprise Guest Appearances
The buzz surrounding the anniversary special has been amplified by recent surprise comedy performances in New York City. Steve Martin and Martin Short were spotted testing new material at the famed Comedy Cellar, alongside John Mulaney, Chris Rock, and Ray Romano. Their impromptu appearances suggest that they may be planning a special segment for SNL50, adding even more excitement to the event.
How to Watch
The SNL50 Anniversary Special will be broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock at 8 p.m. ET on February 16, 2025.
Reflecting on 50 Years of SNL
Since its debut on October 11, 1975, Saturday Night Live has remained a cultural powerhouse, blending sharp political satire, hilarious character sketches, and unforgettable musical moments. The show has introduced audiences to comedy legends such as Eddie Murphy, Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Adam Sandler, and Bill Murray, and has played a pivotal role in shaping American humor for generations.
To mark this historic milestone, NBC and Peacock have also released a four-part documentary series titled “SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night”, which explores the show’s evolution, its greatest moments, and behind-the-scenes stories from past and present cast members.
How to Join the Celebration
With the SNL50: The Homecoming Concert on February 14 and the SNL50: The Anniversary Special on February 16, fans of comedy and music have two major events to look forward to. Whether you’ve been watching SNL for decades or just discovered it recently, this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate one of television’s most influential shows.
Make sure to tune in, stream live on Peacock, and relive the best moments from SNL’s 50-year history!
