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SNL Celebrates 50 Years with Stars, Music & Stories
Published On: February 11, 2025.
As "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) approaches its 50th anniversary, NBC and Peacock have orchestrated a series of events to honor the iconic sketch comedy show's legacy. The celebrations encompass a star-studded anniversary special, a homecoming concert featuring renowned musical acts, and an insightful four-part docuseries that delves into the show's rich history.
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The Anniversary Special
On Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET, NBC and Peacock will broadcast "SNL50: The Anniversary Special." This three-hour live event will showcase appearances from a blend of past and present cast members, as well as notable guest hosts and musical performers. The confirmed lineup includes Adam Sandler, Amy Poehler, Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, Robert De Niro, Kim Kardashian, Miley Cyrus, Paul McCartney, and many others. The special aims to pay tribute to SNL's five-decade-long influence on comedy and culture.
The Homecoming Concert
Kicking off the anniversary weekend, "SNL50: The Homecoming Concert" is set for Friday, February 14, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET. Hosted by former SNL cast member Jimmy Fallon, the concert will take place at New York City's Radio City Music Hall and will be streamed live exclusively on Peacock. The event boasts an impressive lineup of performers, including Arcade Fire, Backstreet Boys, Bad Bunny, Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, Brittany Howard, Chris Martin, David Byrne, Dave Grohl, Eddie Vedder, Jack White, Jelly Roll, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, DEVO, Mumford & Sons, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The B-52s, and The Roots. This gathering of musical talents showcases SNL's longstanding tradition of featuring diverse and influential artists throughout their 50 years of broadcasting.
The Four-Part Docuseries
For those interested in a deeper exploration of SNL's history, "SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night" offers an all-access, four-part documentary series that premiered on Peacock on January 16, 2025. Executive-produced by Academy and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville, the series provides rare behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with over 60 contributors, including former cast members and writers. Each episode focuses on a different facet of the show's legacy:
- "Five Minutes": This episode, directed by Robert Alexander, delves into the SNL audition process, showcasing never-before-seen audition tapes and personal stories from some of the show's most iconic cast members
- "Written By: A Week Inside the SNL Writers Room": Helmed by Marshall Curry, viewers get a glimpse into the creative process and the dynamics within the writers' room during a typical show week
- "More Cowbell": SNL sheds light on the creation and cultural impact of the legendary "More Cowbell" sketch featuring Christopher Walken and Will Ferrell, directed by Neil Berkeley
- "Season 11: The Weird Year": Directed by Jason Zeldes, this episode takes a deep dive into the tumultuous 1985-86 season, a pivotal period that reshaped the show's direction under the return of creator Lorne Michaels
The docuseries offers fans an intimate look at the elements that have contributed to SNL's enduring success over the past five decades. These commemorative events not only celebrate SNL's storied past but also highlight its ongoing influence on comedy, music, and popular culture.