Saturday Night Live (SNL) is gearing up for a massive 50th anniversary celebration. The three-hour live special, titled “SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration,” will air on NBC and stream on Peacock this Sunday. The event promises to be a star-studded affair, featuring a mix of beloved alumni, notable hosts, and musical guests who have contributed to the show’s enduring legacy.
Expect appearances from Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler, Amy Poehler, and many more. In addition to the impressive set of alums, many former hosts will take part in the celebration, including Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, and Peyton Manning. Music has always been a pivotal part of “SNL,” and the anniversary special will feature appearances from Paul McCartney, Miley Cyrus, Bad Bunny, and Sabrina Carpenter.
NBC will also air “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert” on Friday night, streaming live on Peacock. Artists expected to perform include The Backstreet Boys, Lady Gaga, Post Malone, Jack White, Bonnie Raitt, and Robyn. The original “Not Ready for Prime Time Players” from 1975 included Chevy Chase, Gilda Radner, John Belushi, Laraine Newman, Dan Aykroyd, Garrett Morris, and Jane Curtin.
Snl’s star-studded anniversary celebration
Unfortunately, Radner and Belushi have passed away, and Aykroyd’s absence from the event is notable. For fans hoping for nostalgia, NBC will re-air the very first “Saturday Night Live” episode from October 1975, hosted by George Carlin, on Saturday night.
You can catch “SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration” on NBC at 8 p.m. Eastern / 5 p.m. Pacific this Sunday, or stream it live on Peacock. As SNL celebrates its 50th anniversary, it’s worth noting the impact Minnesota has had on the show. Al Franken, long before he became a senator for Minnesota, was pivotal in shaping SNL alongside his friend Tom Davis.
Franken spent a total of 15 years contributing to the show, developing memorable characters and crafting lines that became instant classics. Minnesota Vikings legend Fran Tarkenton was the first professional athlete to host SNL in Season 2, and other renowned Minnesotans like Seann William Scott, Josh Hartnett, and Winona Ryder have also graced the stage. Minnesotans and Minnesota itself have frequently been parodied on the show, with Prince, Senator Amy Klobuchar, and Governor Tim Walz being spoofed by cast members.
Minnesota’s contributions to SNL highlight the state’s rich involvement in the comedy scene, proving that even a perceived “flyover state” can significantly shape a cultural institution. As the show celebrates its milestone, it’s clear that SNL has left an indelible mark on American culture, and Minnesota has played a significant role in its success.
