The 50th Season Of Saturday Night Live Episodes: A Landmark Look At The 2024 Cast, Hosts, And Anniversary Special

Saturday Night Live (SNL) has officially entered a new, historic chapter with the launch of its 50th season, cementing its status as a cultural institution and the longest-running late-night sketch comedy show in television history. As of late 2024, the energy in Studio 8H is palpable, with a mix of veteran cast members and exciting new hosts delivering fresh, politically charged, and often viral comedy every week. This landmark season is not just a continuation of the show's legacy; it's a direct lead-up to one of the most anticipated television events in comedy history: the 50th Anniversary Special.

The current slate of episodes, which premiered on September 28, 2024, has already provided countless water-cooler moments, tackling everything from the 2024 election cycle to internet culture with its signature blend of satire and absurdity. With a refreshed cast and a lineup of first-time and returning hosts, the question on every fan's mind is: which episodes will define this golden anniversary season? The focus is now squarely on the comedic talent driving the show and the massive celebration planned for early 2025.

The Star-Studded Lineup of Saturday Night Live Season 50 Episodes

The fiftieth season of Saturday Night Live premiered on September 28, 2024, on NBC and Peacock, immediately setting a high bar for the historic season. The show continues its tradition of pairing dynamic hosts with major musical guests, ensuring each episode is a unique event. The selection of hosts for this season has been particularly notable, featuring a mix of legendary actors, pop culture icons, and beloved comedians, all eager to take the stage at Studio 8H.

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Notable Hosts and Musical Guests of the 2024 Season

The season premiere was a massive success, hosted by Emmy-winning actress Jean Smart, who made her first appearance on the show. Her episode featured musical guest Jelly Roll, also a first-time performer, blending classic Hollywood gravitas with contemporary music appeal. The episode was praised for its sharp writing and Smart's commitment to the sketches.

• Ariana Grande: The Grammy winner returned to host on October 12, following the release of her album *Eternal Sunshine*. Her blend of acting chops and musical talent made her episode a highlight for many viewers.
• Martin Short: The legendary comedian and *Only Murders in the Building* star brought his decades of experience to the show, paired with musical guest Hozier.
• John Mulaney: A fan-favorite and former *SNL* writer, Mulaney's return is always highly anticipated. His episode featured musical guest Chappell Roan.
• Paul Mescal: The Oscar-nominated actor hosted, with musical guest Shaboozey, showcasing the show's ability to attract top-tier dramatic talent to its comedic stage.
• Nate Bargatze: The stand-up comedian returned to host, continuing the trend of featuring successful comics, alongside musical guest Coldplay.

The combination of these hosts and musical guests demonstrates the show's enduring ability to attract A-list talent, making each week's episode a unique cultural moment that drives social media conversation and topical authority.

The Current Saturday Night Live Cast and Standout Performers

The strength of any *SNL* season lies in its repertory players, and Season 50 features a robust and talented ensemble. The cast members are the backbone of the show, responsible for creating the memorable characters and impressions that resonate with audiences long after the episode airs. The current lineup includes both seasoned veterans and newer faces who have quickly established themselves.

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SNL Season 50 Repertory and Featured Players

The current cast is a dynamic mix of comedic styles and talents. The main repertory players for the 50th season include:

• Michael Che (Co-Head Writer and "Weekend Update" Co-Anchor)
• Colin Jost (Head Writer and "Weekend Update" Co-Anchor)
• Mikey Day
• Chloe Fineman
• Heidi Gardner
• James Austin Johnson
• Ego Nwodim
• Kenan Thompson (The longest-tenured cast member)
• Bowen Yang

Featured players like Marcello Hernández and Andrew Dismukes have also continued to shine, often delivering viral sketches and memorable impressions. The "Weekend Update" segment, anchored by Michael Che and Colin Jost, remains a crucial part of the show, offering sharp political and social commentary that often becomes the most-watched clip of the week.

The Road to SNL50: The Landmark Anniversary Special

While the weekly episodes are the focus now, the entire 50th season is building toward a monumental television event: SNL50: The Anniversary Special. This special will celebrate five decades of the iconic show, promising a reunion of legendary cast members, hosts, and musical guests from across the show's history.

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Details on the 50th Anniversary Celebration

The *SNL50* special is scheduled to air live from Studio 8H on Sunday, February 16, 2025. It will be broadcast on NBC and simulcast on Peacock, ensuring maximum viewership for the historic event. The special is set to be a massive production, with a running time of over three hours (209 minutes with commercials), reflecting the sheer volume of talent and history it will cover.

The anticipation for the *SNL50* special is immense, as it will likely feature appearances from comedy titans like Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Will Ferrell, and many others who got their start on the show. This event is not just a look back; it's a testament to the cultural impact of Lorne Michaels' creation and its ability to continually reinvent itself while launching the careers of comedy legends.

Where to Stream and Watch Current SNL Episodes

In the age of streaming, watching *Saturday Night Live* is easier than ever, allowing fans to catch up on the latest sketches and classic episodes. The show’s availability across platforms is a key factor in its continued relevance and popularity with younger audiences.

• Live Broadcast: New episodes air live on Saturday nights on NBC.
• Streaming: Full current episodes are available to stream the next day on Peacock. Peacock has become the primary hub for all things *SNL*, offering access to the entire catalog of classic episodes, which is a treasure trove for fans of sketch comedy history.
• Clips and Highlights: Individual sketches, especially those that go viral, are frequently posted to the official *Saturday Night Live* YouTube channel, making it easy to share the best moments of the week.

From the political satire of "Weekend Update" to the bizarre and brilliant pre-taped shorts, the 50th season of *Saturday Night Live* episodes is proving to be a must-watch. With the *SNL50* special on the horizon, the show continues to be the definitive voice in American sketch comedy, demonstrating its enduring power to entertain and provoke thought, one episode at a time.