The 25 Biggest Stars Confirmed For The SNL 50th Anniversary Special: Date, Guests, And Secret Plans Revealed
The countdown has officially begun for the biggest night in television comedy history: the Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special. As of December 18, 2025, excitement is reaching a fever pitch with NBC confirming a star-studded lineup that promises to eclipse the legendary 40th-anniversary broadcast. This is not just a three-hour special; it’s a weekend-long comedic pilgrimage celebrating five decades of groundbreaking satire, iconic characters, and the unparalleled cultural impact of the show that launched a thousand careers.
The milestone event, officially titled SNL50: The Anniversary Special, is set to air live from Studio 8H, bringing together an unprecedented assembly of former cast members, hosts, and musical guests. From the original "Not Ready for Primetime Players" to the newest breakout stars, the celebration aims to honor the legacy of creator Lorne Michaels and the comedic powerhouse he built. Prepare for a full weekend of retrospectives, red-carpet glamour, and the sketches you never thought you’d see again.
SNL50: The Essential Broadcast Details and Confirmed Participants
The Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special is scheduled to be a massive, three-hour primetime event, making it one of the most anticipated television broadcasts of the year. The celebration is designed as a deep, nostalgic dive into the show's history while also acknowledging its current relevance.
Event Schedule and Viewing Guide
- Special Title: SNL50: The Anniversary Special
- Air Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025
- Start Time: 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT
- Broadcast Channel: NBC
- Streaming: Live on Peacock
- Pre-Show Coverage: A two-hour live red carpet special will air on NBC starting at 7:00 p.m. ET, featuring interviews with arriving comedy legends.
The All-Star Roster: Confirmed Celebrity Guests and Alumni
The success of any SNL anniversary special hinges on the return of its biggest names. For SNL50, the confirmed list of participants is staggering, featuring former cast members, legendary hosts, and iconic musical guests who have defined the show’s five decades. This list of over 25 confirmed entities is the core of the topical authority for this massive event.
Confirmed Comedians, Hosts, and Cast Members (A-Z):
- Alec Baldwin
- Adam Driver
- Ayo Edebiri
- Dave Chappelle
- Eddie Murphy
- John Mulaney
- Kim Kardashian
- Martin Short
- Pedro Pascal
- Steve Martin
- Tom Hanks
- Will Ferrell
Confirmed Musical Guests and Performers (A-Z):
- Bad Bunny
- Brittany Howard
- Cher
- Lil Wayne
- Miley Cyrus
- Paul McCartney
- Paul Simon
- Sabrina Carpenter
The sheer star power—from the comedic genius of Eddie Murphy and Will Ferrell to the hosting prowess of Tom Hanks and the musical legend of Paul McCartney—guarantees a truly unforgettable night of television.
The Weekend-Long Celebration: More Than Just One Night
Lorne Michaels and NBC are not limiting the golden anniversary to a single Sunday night broadcast. The celebration is structured as a weekend-long retrospective, giving fans a comprehensive look at the show’s origins and its enduring impact. This extended format ensures that every era of Saturday Night Live gets its due, satisfying the curiosity of both long-time fans and new viewers.
Re-Air of the Original Premiere Episode
To kick off the anniversary weekend, NBC will air a special re-broadcast of the very first Saturday Night Live episode. Originally aired on October 11, 1975, the premiere featured host George Carlin and musical guests Janis Ian and Billy Preston. Watching this historic broadcast on Saturday, February 15, 2025, will provide a perfect context for the evolution of the show before the main event on Sunday.
The Documentary Deep Dive: SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night
In addition to the main special, the anniversary is being supported by a series of related documentaries and specials. One highly anticipated program is SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night, which offers an in-depth look at the behind-the-scenes stories, shocking reveals, and the inner workings of the show over five decades. This type of supplementary content is crucial for building topical authority around the event and satisfying the audience’s hunger for insider details.
Another related special, titled Ladies, will focus on the incredible female comedians who have shaped the show, from Gilda Radner and Jane Curtin to Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Kate McKinnon. These specials ensure the entire history of the show is covered, not just the highlights reel.
Potential Sketches and The Lorne Michaels Factor
While the full line-up of sketches and segments remains a closely guarded secret, the format of the 40th-anniversary special provides strong clues. Fans can expect a mix of recurring character revivals, celebrity cameos, and musical tributes. The most anticipated segment, of course, is the opening monologue, which is typically a star-studded affair featuring multiple hosts.
Anticipated Segment Revivals
The return of fan-favorite segments is a near certainty. The 40th special saw the return of iconic bits, and the 50th is expected to follow suit. Based on the confirmed guests, here are some of the most likely and highly-anticipated revivals:
- Weekend Update: A massive reunion of former anchors like Colin Jost, Michael Che, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Seth Meyers, featuring appearances by fan-favorite correspondents.
- Close Encounter: Kate McKinnon’s iconic character, Colleen Rafferty, is a strong candidate for a return, possibly with an A-list celebrity joining the sketch, similar to Meryl Streep's appearance in a previous anniversary show.
- Black Jeopardy!: The return of this segment, hosted by Keenan Thompson, would be a major draw, especially if Dave Chappelle is involved, given his past critically acclaimed appearances.
- Celebrity Jeopardy!: A star-packed version of this classic sketch would be a perfect vehicle for the massive ensemble cast.
The Unstoppable Vision of Lorne Michaels
The entire anniversary celebration is a testament to the enduring vision of creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels. Now in his 80s, Michaels has been the constant force behind the show for nearly all of its 50 years. His involvement guarantees the special will maintain the show's high standards of quality and star power.
Michaels has a reputation for meticulous planning and a deep appreciation for the show's history. He has been candid about the challenges of assembling such a massive cast, famously enforcing a "no plus-ones" rule for the after-party to keep the focus strictly on the SNL family. This attention to detail is what makes the anniversary events so special—they are reunions of a singular, exclusive club.
The SNL 50th Anniversary Special is poised to be an emotional, hilarious, and star-packed tribute to a show that has fundamentally shaped comedy, television, and political discourse for half a century. Mark your calendars for February 16, 2025, because this is one live broadcast you won't want to miss.
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