Every Saturday night, laughter echoes throughout Radio City Music Hall. A series of live sketches and musical performances unfold in front of those sitting in Studio 8H and the thousands watching live from their TV’s at home. “Saturday Night Live,” the only current show of its kind, just celebrated its 50th anniversary with a star-studded special.
Memorable Cast Members
“SNL,” first premiered on October 11, 1975. Since then, it has hosted an entourage of actors, comedians and musical guests. Across these 50 years, the show has been home to 167 cast members, many of which began their careers on this stage. “SNL,” is single-handedly responsible for producing some of the most well-known comedians of this generation.
Jimmy Fallon
Jimmy Fallon was once a member of the “SNL,” cast looking to get his start in the world of comedy. Now he’s the host of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” a major success that is also filmed in the same historic Radio City Music Hall.
Kristen Wiig
From “Bridesmaids” to “Masterminds,” Kristen Wiig has made a name for herself on the big screen. She began her career on “SNL,” creating over 18 characters across her 8 year long stay on the show. Since then, she has returned to host 5 times, sometimes even making surprise guest appearances.
Amy Poehler & Tina Fey
Amy Poehler and Tina Fey were best known for their recurring roles on the sketch “Weekend Update.” From 2004-2008 they both sat behind the desk and played the role of attentive news anchors. The chemistry between the two was unlike any other Weekend Update co-anchors, earning them a rightful spot as memorable “SNL,” cast members (no offense Colin Jost and Michael Che).
The 50th Special
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the show, on February 16, 2025, a 2-hour long special aired. The special featured the artists Paul Simon, Sabrina Carpenter, The Roots, Paul McCartney, Miley Cyrus, Lil Wayne and Brittany Howard.
The audience was filled with well-known faces, many of which appeared in sketches throughout the show. Kim Kardashian, Tom Hanks and Pedro Pascal were just some of the previous hosts who took back their place on stage.
The special had references to nostalgic sketches of the past and trending ones of the present. Kate McKinnon reappeared as Miss Rafferty in the skit “Close Encounter,” this time with Woody Harrelson, Pedro Pascal, Jon Hamm, Aidy Bryant and a guest appearance from Meryl Streep. Marcello Hernández returned as Domingo, singing along to a reimagined cover of Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso,” with a duet from the singer herself. The special also gave us one more appearance of the Maharelle Sisters, with none other than Kristen Wiig as Dooneese.
An Homage to the Past and Present
For 50 years “SNL” has given audiences the opportunity to escape reality and to explore these multi dimensional worlds where unlikely scenarios create the most laugh-inducing outcomes. Thanks to the creator Lorne Michaels, who had an idea in 1974, many lifelong careers were started and entertainment reached the living room’s of families across the country.
The show is still a place for new ideas, while remembering the grounds it was built upon. Let’s see what the next 50 years of SNL will bring!
Did you watch the 50th Anniversary Special? Let us know on X @VALLEYMagazine!
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