SNL50: 7 Shocking Details And Confirmed Stars For The 50th Anniversary Special

The countdown is officially on. On Sunday, February 16, 2025, the television world will stop for one night to celebrate one of the most enduring and influential shows in history: Saturday Night Live. This momentous occasion, dubbed "SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration," is shaping up to be a spectacular, three-hour primetime event that promises to be even bigger and more star-studded than the legendary 40th Anniversary Special. As of this December 2025 update, details are rapidly emerging about the guest list, the format, and the surprising celebrities who may be sitting this one out, making this the most anticipated television event of the year.

The 50th Anniversary of Saturday Night Live is not just a single broadcast; it’s a weekend-long tribute to the show’s legacy, masterminded by creator Lorne Michaels. From the red carpet to the final curtain call, fans can expect a deep dive into five decades of iconic comedy, political satire, and groundbreaking musical performances. Get ready for a massive reunion of former hosts, cast members, and musical guests who have defined American pop culture since 1975.

The Essential SNL50 Celebration Details and Confirmed Guests

The entire celebration is meticulously planned to honor the show’s massive history, stretching back to its debut in 1975. Here are the must-know facts, including the date, time, and the first wave of confirmed A-list attendees for the "SNL50: The Anniversary Special."

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• Event Title: SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration (or SNL50: The Anniversary Special)
• Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025
• Time: 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time / 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time
• Network/Streaming: Broadcast live on NBC and available to stream on Peacock.
• Duration: A supersized, three-hour primetime special.
• Pre-Show: The main event will be preceded by two hour-long live red carpet specials, giving viewers a chance to see all the returning stars arrive.

The Confirmed Star-Studded Guest List

While the full roster of returning cast members from five decades is still being finalized, a number of major names—including former hosts and musical guests—have already been confirmed to participate in the special. This early list suggests a mix of comedy legends and contemporary stars who have made a significant impact on the show.

• Alec Baldwin: A frequent host and the iconic portrayer of Donald Trump.
• Adam Driver: A beloved host known for his commitment to even the strangest sketches.
• Dave Chappelle: The legendary comedian and highly acclaimed host.
• John Mulaney: An acclaimed former writer and one of the rare ‘Five-Timers’ Club hosts.
• Ayo Edebiri: A rising star who has hosted and has deep ties to the comedy world.
• Cher: The music icon and former musical guest.
• Bad Bunny: A massive musical guest who has also pulled double duty as host and musical guest.
• Kim Kardashian: The reality star who hosted in 2021.

Beyond the Special: A Weekend of SNL Tributes

The "SNL50" celebration is designed to be a full-weekend affair, giving fans multiple ways to experience the show's history. This multi-platform approach ensures that every aspect of the show, from its music to its very first broadcast, gets its due.

A Questlove-Produced Music Special

One of the most exciting announcements is a separate music special dedicated entirely to the show's incredible musical history. This special is being executive produced by the renowned musician and music curator, Questlove. Given the sheer number of iconic artists who have performed on the Studio 8H stage—from Prince and David Bowie to Nirvana and Taylor Swift—this dedicated music tribute is expected to be a major event in its own right, showcasing the show's role in breaking new music acts.

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The Return of the Original Episode

To kick off the celebratory weekend, NBC will re-air the show’s very first episode from 1975. This original broadcast, featuring George Carlin as the host and musical guests Billy Preston and Janis Ian, is a piece of television history. Re-airing it allows new fans to see the raw, revolutionary energy of the show’s debut, which was originally titled NBC's Saturday Night.

The Big Questions: Who Will Host and Who Is Missing?

Every anniversary special generates intense speculation about who will take the stage for the opening monologue and which beloved cast members might not be able to attend. The "SNL50" special is no exception, with early rumors already pointing to some surprising absences and strong favorites for the hosting role.

The Odds-On Favorite to Host

While the role of the special's host (or hosts) has not been confirmed, oddsmakers have already placed their bets. The current favorite to lead the festivities is none other than comedy legend Tina Fey. Fey’s history with the show—as a former head writer, cast member, and frequent host—makes her a natural choice. Her partnership with Amy Poehler during the 40th Anniversary was a highlight, and her return would be a massive draw for fans.

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Surprising Absences: Aykroyd and Hader

In a surprising development, two major figures from SNL history have been reported as not participating in the "SNL50" special: Dan Aykroyd and Bill Hader. Aykroyd is an original cast member and a cornerstone of the show's early success, while Hader is widely considered one of the greatest cast members of the 2000s, known for beloved characters like Stefon. Their reported absence has sparked considerable discussion among fans, though the reasons are not yet fully clear.

It's important to remember that the show's creator, Lorne Michaels, has a reputation for pulling off incredible logistical feats, bringing together hundreds of stars from different eras. Fans remain hopeful that the final cast list will include other major figures, such as Eddie Murphy, Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell, Kate McKinnon, and Jimmy Fallon, all of whom have played pivotal roles in the show's history.

What to Expect from the Three-Hour Format

The special is set to run for three hours, significantly longer than the typical 90-minute episode. This extended runtime is necessary to cover the show's massive history. The format is expected to mirror the 40th Anniversary Special, which included a mix of classic sketch reprises, celebrity introductions, musical numbers, and a massive, emotional roll call of cast members past and present.

Viewers can likely anticipate a cold open featuring a current political figure, a series of video packages highlighting the best sketches from each decade, and perhaps a new installment of "Weekend Update" featuring a rotating cast of former anchors like Colin Jost, Michael Che, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler. The atmosphere will be a blend of a live awards show and a massive family reunion, all broadcast live from the legendary Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center.

The "SNL50" special on February 16, 2025, is poised to be an unforgettable tribute. Whether you’re a fan of the original "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" or the current cast, this three-hour event will be a definitive milestone in television history, celebrating the show that has launched thousands of careers and kept America laughing for five decades. Make sure your Peacock subscription is ready and your Sunday night is clear for this must-see event.