SNL Celebrates 50 Years of Laughter and Legacy with Star-Studded Anniversary Weekend
“Saturday Night Live” (SNL) celebrated its 50th anniversary with a star-studded weekend of events, including a live concert, a rebroadcast of its first episode, and a three-hour anniversary special. The festivities, held from February 14 to 16, 2025, brought together current cast members, legendary alumni, and celebrity guests to honor the iconic sketch comedy show’s legacy.
The weekend kicked off with a live concert at New York’s Radio City Music Hall on Friday, hosted by Jimmy Fallon and featuring performances by Bad Bunny, Miley Cyrus, Paul McCartney, and others. The concert was streamed live on Peacock and shown in select IMAX theaters. On Saturday, NBC rebroadcast the show’s inaugural episode from October 11, 1975, hosted by George Carlin and featuring musical guests Janis Ian and Billy Preston.
The highlight of the celebration was the live three-hour anniversary special on Sunday, February 16, airing on NBC and Peacock. The event, held at Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center, featured appearances by SNL alumni such as Adam Sandler, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, and Eddie Murphy, alongside celebrities like Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, and Tom Hanks. The special showcased iconic sketches, musical performances, and tributes to the show’s 50-year history.
Notably, original cast member Dan Aykroyd and alum Bill Hader were absent from the festivities. Aykroyd’s agent confirmed he would not attend, while Hader reportedly declined due to scheduling conflicts. Co-creator Dick Ebersol also did not attend due to health issues.
The anniversary weekend underscored SNL’s enduring cultural impact, with its blend of comedy, music, and live performance continuing to captivate audiences. The event concluded with a red-carpet special hosted by Willie Geist and Leslie Jones, featuring appearances by numerous stars and alumni.
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