Saturday Night Live Celebrates 50 Years: A Retrospective and Anniversary Special
Relive the Inaugural Episode
On Saturday, February 15th, NBC will air a special rerun of the very first episode of Saturday Night Live, which originally aired on October 11, 1975. This historic episode will give viewers a glimpse into the origins of the legendary comedy show.
Comedian George Carlin, who passed away in 2008, hosted the premiere episode. Musical guests included American singer-songwriters Billy Preston and Janis Ian. The show also featured appearances by comedian Andy Kaufman and a sketch from Muppets creator Jim Henson.
Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music
Ahead of the rerun, NBC will air the documentary "Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music." This documentary delves into the rich musical history of Saturday Night Live, highlighting memorable performances and the impact of the show on the music industry.
SNL 50th Anniversary Special
The weekend-long celebration culminates with the highly anticipated "SNL 50: The Anniversary Special" on Sunday, February 16th. The three-hour special will air live from Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center and will feature a star-studded lineup of former hosts, cast members, writers, and musical guests.
NBC has announced several guest appearances for the special, including:
- Will Ferrell
- Tina Fey
- Steve Martin
- Eddie Murphy
- Adam Sandler
- Kristen Wiig
- Lady Gaga
- Taylor Swift
- Paul Simon
- The Rolling Stones
Saturday Night Live 50: The Homecoming Concert
The anniversary weekend kicks off on Friday, February 14th with "SNL 50: The Homecoming Concert." This live concert will stream on Peacock and feature performances from an array of artists, including:
- Arcade Fire
- Backstreet Boys
- Bad Bunny
- Bonnie Raitt
- Brandi Carlile
- Coldplay
- Dave Grohl
Original Cast of SNL
The first season of Saturday Night Live, then known as "NBC’s Saturday Night," introduced viewers to a talented cast of comedians who became known as the "Not Ready for Prime Time Players." These original cast members included:
- Chevy Chase
- John Belushi
- Dan Aykroyd
- Jane Curtin
- Gilda Radner
- Garrett Morris
- Laraine Newman
Legacy of Saturday Night Live
For 50 years, Saturday Night Live has been a cultural phenomenon, shaping American comedy and satire. The show has launched the careers of countless comedians and actors, and its sketches and characters have become part of popular culture.
From its humble beginnings in 1975 to its status as a television institution, Saturday Night Live continues to entertain and provoke audiences with its incisive humor and fearless commentary on current events. The 50th anniversary celebration is a testament to the enduring legacy of this iconic show.
