SNL50 Anniversary Celebration to Air Live Sunday Night
By Associated Press | February 16, 2025 | 7:25 AM
NEW YORK (AP) — Get ready for a night of laughs! This Sunday, “Saturday Night Live” will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a live special. The show has provided us with countless sketches, songs, and memorable moments since it first aired on October 11, 1975.
Over the years, SNL has popularized many comedians, showcasing talents like Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, and Kristen Wiig. They’ll join the celebration, packed with surprises, when the live anniversary show kicks off at 8 p.m. Eastern time (5 p.m. Pacific).
Fans can expect some familiar faces. Not only will former cast members like Adam Sandler and Amy Poehler be there, but many iconic stars are also showing up, including current cast member Kenan Thompson. The original cast members known as the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players,” such as Chevy Chase and Jane Curtin, are slated to appear as well.
This anniversary marks a cultural milestone for SNL. The show has tackled politics, pop culture, and everything in between, shaping entertainment for decades. Even with the rise of streaming services, its sketches and monologues continue to be popular on platforms like YouTube, reaching millions of viewers.
The special will feature a red carpet show starting at 7 p.m. Eastern, hosted by SNL alum Leslie Jones and Willie Geist from NBC News. Expect to see interviews and glimpses of the stars as they arrive.
Musical performances are also part of the celebration. Paul McCartney, Cher, and Miley Cyrus are among the artists expected to grace the stage. Recently, Radio City Music Hall hosted “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert,” featuring an impressive lineup including Arcade Fire and Post Malone, setting the stage for Sunday’s festivities.
Don’t miss this momentous occasion! Tune in to SNL50 to laugh, remember, and celebrate over five decades of iconic television.