SNL Celebrates 50 Years with Star-Studded Anniversary Special

NEW YORK, NY — “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) marked its 50th anniversary with a star-studded special featuring past and present cast members, iconic sketches, and heartfelt tributes, airing live on NBC from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 16, 2025.

Among the highlights, former Weekend Update anchors Bill Murray and Jane Curtin returned to the desk alongside current co-hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che. The special began with a lively performance from Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter, setting the tone for a night filled with nostalgia and laughter.

Bill Murray kicked off his role on Weekend Update by humorously ranking the segment’s past Black anchors, declaring Michael Che the number one due to the segment’s historic lack of diversity. “Let’s just jump right in. In honor of Black History Month, I want to start by ranking the African American Weekend Update anchors,” he said, laughing as he displayed a board with only Che’s name. “Now we’ll move on to the regular Weekend Update anchors,” Murray quipped.

As the segment continued, Murray awarded the title of top Weekend Update anchor to his brother, Brian Doyle-Murray, joking about Colin not being mentioned. Jost laughed, even as Che warned him about the “troubles” that awaited him after the show.

The anniversary special featured various beloved characters such as Drunk Uncle, portrayed by Bobby Moynihan, who made a triumphant return alongside other classic sketches. The Weekend Update desk has been a staple of SNL since its inception, a role that has seen numerous comedians come and go, each contributing to its legacy over the years.

Musical acts were woven throughout the show, with Lil Wayne joining The Roots and Miley Cyrus honoring Prince. Performances of iconic hits contributed to the evening’s celebratory atmosphere.

The special paid tribute to not only the cast but also to those who passed, including the late Norm Macdonald, who inspired admiration from both Jost and Che throughout the night. Murray stated that Macdonald was one of his personal heroes and often brought levity to serious topics.

In a comedic and light-hearted vein, the special included moments reminiscent of past sketches and interactions among cast members. For instance, Cecily Strong reprised her role as “the girl you wish you hadn’t started a conversation with at a party,” showcasing the humor SNL is known for.

“It’s a constipational crisis?” Strong questioned during her segment with Che, reflecting the show’s ability to blend comedy with relevant social commentary.

The anniversary concluded with a heartfelt message from the original cast, including Martin Short and a touching performance of a Beatles medley by Paul McCartney, leaving the audience nostalgic and reflecting on the significant cultural impact of SNL.

“SNL50” was not only an expression of gratitude to its viewers but also a celebration of the enduring influence the show has had over 50 years, showcasing the timeless nature of its humor and the bonds formed among its performers and audience.