This Sunday, “Saturday Night Live” will mark its 50th anniversary with a special three-hour celebration. Along with the three-hour special, “SNL” will be hosting events Friday and Saturday leading up to the anniversary show.
The momentous occasion promises to be a spectacle and a reflection of five decades of performances. Along with the anniversary special, “SNL” will be celebrating with a concert and a rebroadcast of the very first episode.
‘SNL’ 50th anniversary weekend roundup
As “SNL” prepares to celebrate 50 years of cultural moments, it’s bringing back a star-studded roster of alumni.
Expect to see Chevy Chase, Adam Sandler, Amy Poehler, Chris Rock, Molly Shannon and Pete Davidson, among others, as the show revisits its legacy.
“I believe every famous person in the universe will be there. It’s wild,” Mikey Day, an “SNL” alum, said about the anniversary show during a June 2023 interview on the "Today“ show.
With some of the show’s most iconic bits like “The Californians,” the night promises laughter, memorable sketches and moments of nostalgia.
Only time will tell what the producers have up their sleeves, but audiences can expect a celebration of television history that will leave its mark for years to come.
What to plan for and where to watch
Friday
The celebrations kick off Friday night with “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert,” a tribute to the musical acts that have graced the show’s stage over the years.
Hosted by Jimmy Fallon, the concert will feature performances by Bad Bunny, Cher, Post Malone and more, according to NPR.
Set at Radio City Music Hall, the event will stream live on Peacock at 8 p.m. EST. Select IMAX theaters will also broadcast the concert.
Saturday
On Saturday night, “SNL” will feature a rebroadcast of the first episode, which originally aired on Oct. 11, 1975, when the show was called “Saturday Night,” according to NPR.
The historic airing will bring back Andy Kaufman and the Muppets, offering a glimpse into the beginnings of what would become a cultural phenomenon.
You can watch the show at 11:30 p.m. EST on NBC and Peacock.
Sunday
The final “SNL” 50th anniversary special will air live Sunday night, a three-hour celebration of the show’s legacy. Following the program, a red-carpet special will follow, offering a further glimpse into the evening, according to NPR.
The anniversary special will broadcast live at 8 p.m. EST on NBC and stream on Peacock.