Cart is empty 
The celebration of Saturday Night Live‘s landmark 50th anniversary has officially kicked off, offering fans a month-long extravaganza filled with star-studded specials, documentaries, concerts, merchandise, and more. As the iconic sketch comedy show marks five decades of laughter and cultural influence, SNL is pulling out all the stops to honor its monumental place in television history. Here’s a look at the major events and offerings that will keep fans engaged throughout the celebrations.
‘SNL’ 50th Anniversary Special on NBC and Peacock
The centerpiece of the SNL50 festivities is the highly anticipated SNL 50th Anniversary Special, airing live on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and streaming on Peacock. This three-hour extravaganza promises to be a star-studded celebration of the show’s rich history, featuring performances, sketches, and appearances from both current and former cast members. Hosted by Jimmy Fallon, an alum of the show, the special will include a parade of legendary SNL talent such as Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, Kate McKinnon, Will Ferrell, and many others. Musical guests like Paul McCartney are also set to make appearances.
Before the special, a red-carpet event at 7 p.m. ET will set the tone for the evening, with a procession of celebrities and SNL stars gathering to reflect on the show’s lasting impact. As with the 40th anniversary, fans can expect to see beloved SNL characters, such as Wayne Campbell from Wayne’s World, and a revival of some of the show’s most iconic sketches. The anniversary special will be a true celebration of everything that has made SNL a television institution.
‘SNL’ 50th Anniversary Radio City Music Hall Concert
For fans seeking an unforgettable musical experience, the SNL50: The Homecoming Concert at Radio City Music Hall on February 14, 2025, will deliver a once-in-a-lifetime event. This concert, which will stream live on Peacock at 8 p.m. ET, will feature a stellar lineup of musical performances from artists who have graced the SNL stage over the years. From Arcade Fire and Lady Gaga to The Roots and Bad Bunny, the concert promises a dynamic celebration of the show’s musical legacy.
This one-time-only event will also be available for live screenings in select IMAX theaters, including in cities like Houston, Miami Beach, and Long Island. Hosted by Jimmy Fallon and directed by Beth McCarthy-Miller, the concert will highlight SNL’s significant role in shaping musical culture over five decades, with many of the show’s most memorable musical moments taking center stage.
New ‘SNL’ Documentaries
The SNL 50th anniversary is not just about the on-screen events but also delving into the show’s history through a series of exciting documentaries. Two major documentaries are providing a closer look at the show’s evolution and impact:
- ‘SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night’
Available on Peacock since January 16, 2025, this four-part docuseries takes a deep dive into key aspects of SNL‘s legacy. The series covers everything from the audition process to the show’s tumultuous early years, including Lorne Michaels’ return in the 1985-1986 season. With interviews from over 60 stars, including Fred Armisen, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Larry David, Beyond Saturday Night offers a comprehensive exploration of the factors that made SNL the cultural powerhouse it is today. - ‘Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music’
Directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, this documentary, which airs on NBC on January 27, 2025, and streams on Peacock starting January 28, celebrates the musical legacy of SNL. The three-hour documentary highlights the iconic musical guests who have performed on the show, including Paul Simon, Billie Eilish, Justin Timberlake, and more. Through interviews and archival footage, the documentary shows how SNL became a launchpad for musical innovation, blending comedy with live performances that shaped pop culture.
‘Saturday Night’ Movie Streaming on Netflix
For a cinematic take on SNL’s origins, the film Saturday Night offers a dramatized portrayal of the chaotic 90 minutes leading up to the first episode of SNL in 1975. Directed by Jason Reitman and starring Gabriel LaBelle as Lorne Michaels, the movie provides a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the groundbreaking show. Available for streaming on Netflix since January 2025, Saturday Night offers fans a fictionalized but intriguing look at the making of television history. For an extra dose of nostalgia, viewers can also watch the actual first episode of SNL, available on Peacock.
50th Anniversary ‘SNL’ Merchandise and Photo-Ops
The SNL celebrations are spilling over into retail with a host of exclusive 50th anniversary merchandise. Fans can purchase limited-edition T-shirts, posters, and other memorabilia to commemorate the milestone. Universal Orlando is also hosting special SNL photo opportunities, allowing fans to snap photos with iconic props and costumes from legendary sketches.
Additionally, SNL is launching a free new attraction in New York City, where visitors can explore iconic sets and memorabilia from past episodes. This immersive experience offers fans a unique chance to step inside the world of SNL and relive some of the most unforgettable moments in television history.
New ‘SNL’ Books and Promotional Tie-Ins
As part of the 50th anniversary celebration, several new books about SNL‘s history are being released. These books offer in-depth looks at the making of the show, behind-the-scenes stories, and reflections on its impact on comedy and television. The books promise to be a treasure trove for SNL fans and collectors alike.
In addition, various promotional tie-ins will keep fans engaged throughout the anniversary celebrations. Special editions of classic SNL episodes, curated playlists of the show’s greatest musical moments, and other special promotions will be rolled out across multiple platforms, making it easier than ever to relive your favorite moments from SNL.
Surprises During Weekly Episodes in the 50th Season of ‘SNL’
As part of the ongoing celebrations, fans can expect surprises throughout SNL’s 50th season. From special guest appearances to unexpected sketch revivals, the regular weekly episodes will be brimming with excitement. As SNL continues to air new episodes each week, the anniversary season will deliver plenty of surprises that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Be in the ‘SNL’ Audience in New York
For the ultimate SNL fan experience, the show is inviting viewers to apply for tickets to be part of the live studio audience during the 50th season tapings in New York. This is an opportunity to witness the magic of SNL firsthand and be part of the show’s historic anniversary celebrations. Keep an eye on the SNL website for ticket details and availability.
As Saturday Night Live marks its 50th anniversary, it’s clear that the show has a rich legacy to celebrate, and this year’s events, specials, and releases are a testament to that enduring influence. Whether you’re tuning in for the live concert, revisiting classic sketches, or diving into the new documentaries, there are countless ways to celebrate this iconic show. SNL continues to shape comedy, culture, and television—and with these 50th anniversary festivities, it’s clear that its legacy will continue for years to come.