"SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration" will bring together a blend of current cast members and legendary alumni. Justine Goode / NBC News; Getty Images
Live from New York, it’s a celebration of ‘Saturday Night Live’!
NBC’s legendary comedy show marks its 50th anniversary with a grand three-hour special, "SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration." This once-in-a-lifetime event airs live on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock, bringing together iconic cast members, Hollywood celebrities, and music legends.
Where to Watch
Red carpet coverage kicks off an hour earlier at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on NBC. Former “SNL” star Leslie Jones, journalist Willie Geist, and comedian Matt Rogers will chat with celebrity guests. Online viewers can follow the excitement through "SNL50: The Red Carpet" livestream, hosted by Amelia Dimoldenberg, across all “SNL” digital platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.
From left: Bill Hader, Laraine Newman, Taran Killam, Kristen Wiig, Keenan Thompson, Taylor Swift, Fred Armisen, Kerry Washington and Betty White during "The Californians" "SNL" skit on Feb. 15, 2015.Dana Edelson / NBC
Who’s Returning to the Stage?
The special will reunite original cast members Chevy Chase, Garrett Morris, Jane Curtin, and Laraine Newman. Joining them will be comedy legends like Adam Sandler, Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, Kristen Wiig, and Chris Rock.
Current “SNL” cast members will also be part of the fun, including Kenan Thompson, Bowen Yang, Michael Che, Chloe Fineman, Heidi Gardner, and Colin Jost.
Molly Shannon, a fan-favorite alum, shared her excitement about the event. “It feels like coming home,” she said on NBC’s “TODAY” show.
Surprise Celebrity Guests
The anniversary show will feature big names from Hollywood and the music industry. Expect appearances from Robert De Niro, Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Dave Chappelle, Pedro Pascal, Martin Short, and Kim Kardashian.
Music stars like Miley Cyrus, Paul McCartney, Bad Bunny, and Sabrina Carpenter will also join the celebration, making it a night full of surprises.
What to Expect from the Special
This milestone event has been in the works for years. “SNL” cast member Mikey Day hinted at the show's scale last year, saying, “Every famous person in the universe will be there.”
Fans can look forward to classic sketch revivals, unexpected reunions, and musical performances. If history repeats itself, there could even be viral moments, much like the Betty White-Bradley Cooper kiss from the 40th-anniversary special.
From left, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, Jane Curtin, and John Belushi in a skit in the first season of "Saturday Night Live" in 1975. NBC
Weekend-Long Celebrations
The special is just one part of a weekend full of ‘SNL’ programming.
- Friday: Peacock will stream "SNL50: The Homecoming Concert" live from Radio City Music Hall, featuring Arcade Fire, Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg, Jack White, Post Malone, and more.
- Saturday: NBC will re-air the very first "SNL" episode from 1975, giving fans a look back at where it all began.
- Streaming Exclusives: Peacock will also feature two documentaries, "Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music" and "SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night," exploring the show’s impact on comedy and music.
With five decades of unforgettable moments, SNL 50th Anniversary Special promises to be an unforgettable night of laughter, nostalgia, and star power.
