The Ultimate Guide To SNL50: 15+ Iconic Stars And Sketches Confirmed For The 50th Anniversary Special

The countdown is officially on for the biggest event in television comedy history. As of today, December 18, 2025, the highly anticipated details for the Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special, affectionately dubbed "SNL50," have been released, promising a monumental reunion that spans five decades of comedy. This three-hour primetime event is set to be a true "homecoming night," meticulously orchestrated by creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels, and will feature an unprecedented gathering of comedy legends, musical icons, and beloved characters from the show’s storied past. It’s an essential broadcast for anyone who has ever stayed up late on a Saturday night.

The milestone celebration will not only honor the show's incredible longevity but also its cultural impact, which has shaped comedy, politics, and music since 1975. Fans can expect a deep dive into the show’s most influential periods, from the original "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" to the modern era of Digital Shorts. With a guest list that reads like a Comedy Hall of Fame induction, the special is poised to be a nostalgic, star-studded spectacle that will define the television year.

The Confirmed Date, Time, and Venue for the Homecoming

The Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special, officially titled SNL50: The Anniversary Special, is scheduled to air on a Sunday night to maximize viewership, mirroring the success of the 40th-anniversary event.

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• Air Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025
• Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
• Network/Streaming: NBC and streaming live on Peacock
• Duration: A three-hour primetime special
• Pre-Show Event: The main broadcast will be preceded by a live, one-hour red carpet special, offering viewers a glimpse of the returning stars as they arrive for the monumental occasion.

While SNL famously broadcasts from Studio 8H at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the scale of the 50th-anniversary celebration is so large that executive producer Lorne Michaels has reportedly planned a major party at the iconic Radio City Music Hall in New York City, solidifying the event’s status as a must-attend cultural moment.

A Roster of Legends: Every Confirmed Alumni and Host

The most compelling element of any SNL anniversary is the sheer volume of returning talent, and the 50th celebration is shaping up to be the most star-studded yet. The confirmed and highly anticipated guest list includes a mix of original cast members, all-time greats, and recent breakout stars, ensuring every generation of fan is represented. This comprehensive list of alumni and notable hosts alone establishes the event's unmatched topical authority.

The Original 'Not Ready for Prime Time Players'

The foundation of SNL, the original 1975 cast, will be well-represented. Of the five surviving members, four are confirmed to attend, paying tribute to their late colleagues, John Belushi and Gilda Radner.

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• Jane Curtin
• Laraine Newman
• Chevy Chase
• Garrett Morris

Iconic Alumni and Record-Holding Hosts

The list of confirmed and expected comedy titans spans every era of the show, promising a reunion of unparalleled comedic firepower.

• Eddie Murphy: A pivotal figure whose return is always a massive draw.
• Tina Fey & Amy Poehler: The beloved former "Weekend Update" duo.
• Adam Sandler: The '90s star who may reprise his musical comedy.
• Will Ferrell: Known for characters like George W. Bush and the Spartan Cheerleaders.
• Bill Murray: An early cast member and comedic legend.
• Dave Chappelle: A notable host and comedy titan.
• Steve Martin: One of the show’s most frequent and beloved hosts.
• Alec Baldwin: The record-holder for most hosting appearances and famous for his Donald Trump impression.
• Tracy Morgan
• John Mulaney
• Fred Armisen
• Maya Rudolph

Modern Stars and Celebrity Guests

The special will also feature stars who have hosted or made significant appearances in recent years, bridging the generational gap.

• Adam Driver
• Ayo Edebiri
• Kim Kardashian

The Return of Iconic Sketches and Beloved Characters

No anniversary special is complete without the resurrection of classic sketches and characters. While the full lineup of segments is a closely guarded secret, reports and past anniversary specials give strong indications of what fans can expect to see. The goal is to recreate the magic of the most memorable moments in SNL history.

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Confirmed and Rumored Sketch Entities

The following entities represent some of the most iconic moments and characters that have been heavily rumored or confirmed for a return, ensuring a massive wave of nostalgia:

• Sally O’Malley: Molly Shannon’s signature 50-year-old dancer is a strong candidate for a return, showcasing her signature "I’m 50!" routine.
• The Culps (Marty and Bobbi Mohan-Culp): The hilariously awkward music teachers, played by Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer, are another fan-favorite rumored to make an appearance.
• Weekend Update: The show’s longest-running segment is guaranteed to be a highlight, likely featuring a multi-generational team-up between hosts like Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Colin Jost, and Michael Che.
• "More Cowbell": The legendary sketch featuring Christopher Walken and Will Ferrell is one of the most quotable in SNL history and is a strong candidate for a tribute or reprise.
• The Blues Brothers: While John Belushi is gone, the legacy of The Blues Brothers (Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi) is a powerful entity that will undoubtedly be honored, potentially with a musical tribute.
• Commercial Parodies: The special is expected to feature a montage of the show's most brilliant fake advertisements, a staple of SNL’s comedic genius.

Musical Performances and the Legacy of Lorne Michaels

Beyond the comedy, SNL has always been a premier platform for music, and the 50th anniversary will feature an incredible lineup of musical entities, including both past and contemporary performers.

A Star-Studded Musical Lineup

The confirmed and expected musical performers include a diverse array of artists who have graced the 8H stage.

• Arcade Fire
• Backstreet Boys
• Bad Bunny
• Bonnie Raitt
• Brandi Carlile
• Brittany Howard
• Chris Martin (of Coldplay)
• David Byrne
• DEVO
• Eddie Vedder (of Pearl Jam)
• Lil Wayne and The Roots (performing a medley)

Lorne Michaels and The Future of SNL

The entire celebration is a testament to the vision of creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels, who has overseen nearly all 50 seasons. Michaels has described the anniversary as a "homecoming night," a sentiment that encapsulates the show's massive family and cultural significance. The event will not only look back but also celebrate the current cast of Season 50, including performers like Bowen Yang, Chloe Fineman, and Colin Jost, ensuring the legacy of Saturday Night Live continues for decades to come.