The 7 Biggest Shockers And Must-See Moments From The SNL 50th Anniversary Special Concert (SNL50)
The highly anticipated Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special, or SNL50, has officially cemented its place in television history, and as of late December 2025, the buzz continues to focus on the spectacular musical performances and the sheer volume of comedy legends who returned to Studio 8H. This three-hour retrospective event, which aired in February 2025, was not just a celebration of five decades of comedy, but a monumental gathering that featured an unprecedented roster of hosts, cast members, and musical icons, providing a fresh wave of iconic sketches and emotional tributes that fans are still talking about. The scale of the celebration, which included a separate "Homecoming Concert," delivered on its promise to honor Lorne Michaels’ enduring legacy.
The special, officially titled SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration, was a masterclass in nostalgia and star power, moving beyond a simple clip show to feature new, live sketches and a jaw-dropping musical showcase. From the emotional opening monologue to the final curtain call, the event served as the definitive capstone on 50 years of live television, answering the perennial question of who would—and who wouldn't—return for the milestone. We break down the full lineup, the confirmed musical acts, and the most unforgettable moments that defined this historic broadcast.
The Monumental Return: Date, Venue, and Format of SNL50
The SNL 50th Anniversary Special was a massive, multi-faceted event that took over a Sunday night, mirroring the format of the record-breaking 40th anniversary show. It was a spectacle of television production, uniting five decades of talent under one roof.
- Airing Date and Time: The main special, SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration, aired live on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET, running for a colossal three hours.
- Broadcasting Network: The event was broadcast on NBC and simultaneously streamed live on Peacock.
- The Venue: The heart of the celebration was, of course, the show's home since 1975, Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center, New York City.
- The Hosts: Comedy legends and frequent SNL hosts Steve Martin and Martin Short were confirmed as the hosts for the main anniversary episode, bringing their signature chemistry and wit to the monumental task of guiding the evening.
- The Pre-Show: Like its predecessor, the main event was preceded by a two-hour live red carpet special, featuring interviews with the incoming stream of iconic alumni and celebrity guests.
The format was a mix of live reunion sketches, classic clip packages, and musical performances, designed to pay tribute to every era of the show, from the original "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" to the current cast. This structure ensured that the special felt both like a retrospective and a fresh, new episode of the legendary sketch comedy series.
The Star-Studded Lineup: Confirmed Cast and Legendary Cameos
The true measure of a milestone like SNL50 is the caliber of the returning cast, and the lineup for this special was arguably the most star-studded gathering in the history of television. The sheer number of legendary names returning to Studio 8H provided a powerful demonstration of the show's cultural impact.
Confirmed Participants and Alumni Entities
The list of former hosts, cast members, and celebrity guests who participated was extensive. Key headliners confirmed to appear included:
- The Comedy Titans: Adam Driver, Alec Baldwin, Dave Chappelle, and John Mulaney.
- The Modern Stars: Ayo Edebiri, Kim Kardashian, and Michael Keaton (a Season 50 host).
- The Music & Pop Culture Icons: Cher, Lady Gaga, and Will Ferrell.
- The Original Legends: While not every original cast member was confirmed in the early announcements, the presence of figures like Steve Martin and Lorne Michaels ensured the original spirit of the show was honored.
The special was a treasure trove of unexpected pairings, with stars from different decades collaborating on new sketches, creating a unique temporal mashup that only Saturday Night Live can achieve. The topical authority of the broadcast was solidified by its ability to secure commitments from such a massive and diverse group of A-list talent, all eager to honor the institution that launched their careers.
The Music That Defined Five Decades: Full List of SNL50 Musical Guests
The "concert" aspect of the SNL50 celebration was a major highlight, with musical performances woven throughout the special, plus a separate, highly-anticipated event. The musical guests chosen represented the diverse history of the show's legendary musical segments.
The SNL50 Anniversary Special Performers
The main broadcast featured an incredible array of artists, blending classic rock legends with contemporary pop stars. The confirmed musical guests for the February 16, 2025, special included:
- Paul McCartney: A true rock legend, whose presence alone elevated the status of the entire event.
- Paul Simon: An SNL favorite and veteran, representing the show's folk-rock roots.
- Miley Cyrus: A modern-day icon and frequent SNL host/musical guest, who also performed at the 40th anniversary.
- Sabrina Carpenter: A major contemporary pop star, whose inclusion highlighted the show's relevance to younger audiences.
- Lil Wayne: Bringing a hip-hop presence to the stage.
- Brittany Howard: The powerful vocalist known for her work with Alabama Shakes.
- The Roots: The house band for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, who often participate in special NBC events.
The SNL50: The Homecoming Concert (The True "Concert")
To kick off the weekend of celebrations, a separate, exclusive event titled "SNL50: The Homecoming Concert" took place on Valentine's Day in New York City. This event was the true, dedicated "concert" component of the anniversary, featuring a different lineup of stars, including:
- Lady Gaga
- Will Ferrell
- Lauryn Hill
This two-part musical strategy—a separate concert event and embedded performances in the main special—ensured that the 50th anniversary was a comprehensive tribute to the musical heritage of the show, which has launched or cemented the careers of countless artists over five decades. The sheer volume of musical talent confirmed for the anniversary weekend made it a highlight for fans of both comedy and music.
The Most Talked-About Moments and Sketch Retrospectives
Beyond the impressive list of participants and musical acts, the lasting impact of SNL50 lies in the moments that went viral and the sketches that were revisited. The retrospective special masterfully balanced emotional tributes with fresh, hilarious comedy.
Key Topical Authority Entities and Moments
The special was structured around paying homage to the most influential eras and characters, driving massive engagement across social media platforms:
- The "Lorne Michaels Tribute": A heartfelt segment dedicated to the show's creator and executive producer, Lorne Michaels, featuring testimonials from cast members across every generation. This segment underscored the show's enduring stability and the singular vision that has guided it for 50 years.
- The "Weekend Update" Reunion: One of the most anticipated segments was the return of numerous past "Weekend Update" anchors, including Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Colin Jost, and Michael Che, all sharing the desk for a rapid-fire, multi-generational news segment. The chemistry between the different eras' anchors was a major talking point.
- The Celebrity Impressions Montage: The special featured a deep dive into the show's history of political and celebrity impersonations, showcasing everyone from Dana Carvey’s George H.W. Bush to Kate McKinnon’s Hillary Clinton, reinforcing SNL's role as a cultural mirror.
- The Return of Iconic Characters: Fan-favorite characters were brought back to life, including a new sketch featuring Wayne and Garth (Mike Myers and Dana Carvey) from Wayne's World, and potentially a revisit to one of the classic Coneheads sketches.
- The Missing Stars: The absence of certain major alumni, which is inevitable in a show with this many stars, was also a major discussion point, with fans speculating on who was unable to make the historic reunion.
The SNL50 special was not merely a celebration; it was a definitive moment in television history. By combining the star power of the main broadcast with the dedicated musical genius of the "Homecoming Concert," the 50th anniversary delivered a comprehensive and unforgettable experience that will be discussed for decades to come, solidifying the show's status as a cultural touchstone.
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