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History of SNL
“Saturday Night Live” recently celebrated its 50th anniversary season. After 50 years on air, the show showcased the success it has had throughout its time on NBC. Beginning in 1975, “SNL” has been popularized as a sketch comedy show mocking pop culture, politics and other events around the world. Cast members have won numerous awards for their work on the show.
SNL Special
To celebrate, “SNL” premiered a three-hour special marking the 50th anniversary. It included a cold open, monologues, sketches, short films, parodies and musical performances. Many of the sketches were reruns of old favorites such as “The Lawrence Welk Show,” “Close Encounters,” “Debbie Downer” and “Domingo.”
Remembering Chris Farley
Another highlight of the special was a montage of physical comedy dating back to the first season. It specifically honored former cast member Chris Farley, who joined the show in its 16th season in 1990. Farley died in 1997, but his contributions were widely celebrated during the special. His former co-star Adam Sandler also performed an original piece, the “Chris Farley Song,” to further honor his legacy.
SNL Concert
“SNL” also premiered a concert titled “50 Years of SNL Music,” where cast members, comedians and musicians performed iconic bits from the show. The concert was held at Radio City Music Hall ahead of the next episode. One of the most memorable performances was Andy Samberg and Lady Gaga’s medley of songs by The Lonely Island, Samberg’s comedy trio with Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer.
Political Sketches and Cold Opens
“SNL” outdid itself this season in political sketches and cold opens. During the election season, the cast played America’s politicians, including Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris, Andy Samberg as Doug Emhoff, Bowen Yang as JD Vance, Dana Carvey as Joe Biden and James Austin Johnson as Donald Trump. At one point, Harris appeared as herself alongside Rudolph in the 2024 cold open.
Best Host of the Season
The standout host of the season was Timothée Chalamet, who doubled as the musical guest in January. He has hosted twice before in 2020 and 2023, becoming a familiar face on the show. Known mainly for dramatic roles, he showed off his comedic side, starring in sketches ranging from a barista in training to a bungee jump instructor. In addition, he performed songs by Bob Dylan, referencing his upcoming film “A Complete Unknown.” He paid homage to Dylan while adding his own creative spin.
“Chalamet didn’t have anything to prove on that stage last night. He could’ve bombed and would have still walked out smiling. And, when he inevitably returns to host the show a fourth time, he might just have an Academy Award on his mantle, too.” Matt Mitchell said from Paste Magazine.
Best Musical Guest of the Season
On the fifth episode of the season, comedian John Mulaney hosted alongside Chappell Roan as the musical guest. She appeared in several promos with cast member Ego Nwodim. Roan performed her hit “Pink Pony Club” and debuted her new single, “The Giver.” She has a reputation in the music industry for over-the-top sets and costumes, often compared to Madonna or Lady Gaga.
These props and glamorous costumes did not overshadow or distract from Roan’s talent. In fact, they amplified it. Roan’s performance on “SNL” stood out because of “The Giver.” The episode marked the first time she performed the song, following the growing success of her album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.” While most of Roan’s songs fall under pop, “The Giver” leaned country but still showcased her individuality and skill as a musician.
“SNL’s” musical performances are notoriously difficult because of the small stage and live audience, but Roan delivered a standout set and made it her own.
“Roan could have easily dialed back the production after slamming ‘Pink Pony Club’ out of the park, but her second appearance made a bit of news with the world premiere of her first new song since ‘Good Luck, Babe!’ A good-natured, queer-country, service-top anthem, ‘The Giver’ received a grand introduction, complete with glorious outfits, rousing choruses and even a wonderfully strange animated backdrop,” Stephen Thompson said, from NPR.
Weekend Update
“Weekend Update” has been an iconic segment of “Saturday Night Live” since the first season in 1975. At the start, the segment was hosted by Chevy Chase,. Since then, it has featured numerous anchors, including Seth Meyers, Amy Poehler and Cecily Strong.
The current lineup is Colin Jost and Michael Che. Jost has been a writer for “SNL” since 2005 and took over “Weekend Update” in 2014 alongside Che, who had also been writing on the show. The pair are best known for their infamous joke swaps, in which they read jokes the other has written for them live on air without seeing them beforehand. Their sharp comedic timing and contrasting styles make them a standout duo.
Che and Jost have been rumored to leave “SNL” this season, likely to pursue other projects. Che responded to the speculation on Instagram, jokingly telling Jost he should be the one to leave.
“Colin Jost in bright red lipstick, an apology for a certain ‘roast beef’ quip, and more: The Season 50 finale installment of Weekend Update’s semi-annual joke swap had everything — including an appearance by host Scarlett Johansson. The actress, who just happens to be Jost’s wife, got a (forced) apology from Michael Che for a crack he made Jost say during the Christmas joke swap. But Che found plenty of other ways to have fun at Jost’s expense this time around,” said Samantha Vincenty, from NBC.
