Everything You Need to Know About Saturday Night Live's 50th Anniversary
From an all new docuseries to the SNL50 primetime special, see what NBC has in store for the 50th Anniversary season.
January 10, 2025
Relive SNL history with 50 Seasons in 50 Days
In the weeks leading up to February 16's three-hour 50th anniversary celebration on NBC, the team behind Saturday Night Live has selected one sketch from every single season — 50 seasons in 50 days — to represent the show's rich legacy across five decades.
Peacock's Beyond Saturday Night Docuseries premieres January 16
An all-access four-part docuseries, SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night, debuts January 16, only on Peacock.
Executive-produced by Morgan Neville, the Academy and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker behind documentaries Piece by Piece and 20 Feet From Stardom, SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night features rare behind-the-scenes footage of the iconic late night series, celebrity interviews, and more than 60 contributors — including former cast members and writers — reflecting on working on the show.
Each episode is a deep dive into a different aspect of SNL. All four episodes premiere January 16.
SNL's 50th Anniversary Season Sponsors
NBCUniversal announced the presenting sponsors for “Saturday Night Live’s” 50th Anniversary Season which will include Allstate, L’Oreal Groupe, T-Mobile, and Volkswagen of America. T-Mobile, who has been a sponsor of “Saturday Night Live” for two consecutive seasons, expands their current partnership for the 50th anniversary.
Throughout the season, these brands will celebrate generations of comedic talent through curated custom content and experiences across NBCUniversal’s portfolio.
Saturday Night Live’ is a cultural institution that has been etched into NBCUniversal’s storied history. For five decades, ‘SNL’ has been one of the most desired properties for marketers, and we are thrilled to have these Presenting Sponsors join us for the 50th anniversary season as we honor this iconic show.
— Mark Marshall, Chairman, NBCUniversal Global Advertising & Partnerships
Questlove's 50 Years of SNL Music documentary premieres January 27
Ahead of the February 16 special, NBC will broadcast the documentary Ladies & Gentleman ... 50 Years of SNL Music, co-directed by Oz Rodriguez and The Roots drummer, Tonight Show bandleader, and Oscar-winning filmmaker Questlove. The three-hour special broadcast event promises "untold stories behind the culture-defining, groundbreaking and news-making musical performances, sketches and cameos of the past 50 years." The movie premieres January 27 on NBC, streaming next-day on Peacock.
The Immersive SNL50 Experience from January 30 – February 2
A new immersive, Studio 8H-inspired experience will give fans the chance to feel what it’s like to host the iconic comedy showcase.
“From the thrill of hearing your name announced as you burst through the stage doors to rolling your chair up to the Weekend Update desk, every attendee will experience both the on-camera magic and off-camera rush of SNL; with surprises and callbacks around every corner that celebrate 50 years of famed sketches and the signature spontaneous nature that’s defined the series since 1975.”
The experience will run January 30-February 2 at Rockefeller Center. It is free and open to the public (ages 18 and up), and reservations will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
SNL50: The Anniversary Special on February 16
SNL will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a weekend-long look back at the late-night sketch series, culminating in the three-hour primetime SNL50: The Anniversary Special. SNL50: The Anniversary Special will be the crown jewel of a big weekend of events highlighting the trailblazing sketch series' rich history. The program will air Sunday, February 16 from 8-11 p.m. E.T. on NBC and Peacock.
Can’t get enough SNL? Be sure to watch episodes of the 50th anniversary season on NBC and Peacock. Below is the schedule for the current season.
| Episode | Host | Musical Guest | Date |
| 1 | Jean Smart | Jelly Roll | September 28, 2024 |
| 2 | Nate Bargatze | Coldplay | October 5, 2024 |
| 3 | Ariana Grande | Stevie Nicks | October 12, 2024 |
| 4 | Michael Keaton | Billie Eilish | October 19, 2024 |
| 5 | John Mulaney | Chappell Roan | November 2, 2024 |
| 6 | Bill Burr | Mk.gee | November 9, 2024 |
| 7 | Charli XCX | Charli XCX | November 16, 2024 |
| 8 | Paul Mescal | Shaboozey | December 7, 2024 |
| 9 | Chris Rock | Gracie Abrams | December 14, 2024 |
| 10 | Martin Short | Hozier | December 21, 2024 |
| 11 | Dave Chappelle | GloRilla | January 18, 2025 |
| 12 | Timothée Chalamet | Timothée Chalamet | January 25, 2025 |
