On February 16, 2025, Saturday Night Live (SNL) celebrated its 50th anniversary with an extravagant gathering at NBC's 30 Rockefeller Center. The event marked half a century of television history for one of America’s most beloved sketch comedy shows, bringing together alumni spanning decades to honor its legacy. The star-studded special included appearances from many prominent figures, some of whom had made their names on the iconic stage.
Among those present were comedy heavyweights such as Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Jimmy Fallon, Amy Poehler, and Maya Rudolph, who graced the stage with sketches and heartfelt tributes. Original cast member Garrett Morris even made a brief appearance, showcasing his timeless charm. “I had no idea, ya'll,that I would be required to do so many reunion shows!” Morris joked as he introduced a nostalgic clip. His playful remark captured the spirit of the evening, one filled with laughter and fond memories.
Despite the numerous faces familiar to viewers, there were some noteworthy absences. Dan Aykroyd, who co-founded the series, echoed sentiments of pride on social media just days before the event, stating, “Cracking a Head with pride at having been a co-founder of SNL along with everyone we were together with in those four years, five decades ago. This telecast is as historical as the next moon landing,” he tweeted, but he did not attend the celebration. His absence sparked discussions among fans, as his contributions shaped the show from its inception.
Similarly, fellow SNL alum Bill Hader opted out of the anniversary party. According to reports from Puck News’ Matthew Belloni, Hader courteously declined his invitation, though he was still visible during the event through a humorous Volkswagen commercial with Kristen Wiig and Fred Armisen. While some former cast members expressed their regret at missing this milestone, the show went on to celebrate the past with great verve.
Fans also noticed the absence of Dana Carvey, who starred on the show from 1986 to 1993, and Colin Quinn, known for hosting the “Weekend Update” segment. They did not comment publicly about the special, leaving followers speculating about their reasons for skipping the celebration. While many A-listers attended, the glaring absence of key figures like Aykroyd and Hader left fans pondering who precisely they were missing out on reuniting with.
The anniversary show was replete with memorable sketches, particularly one featuring alumni Eddie Murphy and Will Ferrell, who came together for the classic “Scared Straight” sketch. Other fan-favorite segments, like “Black Jeopardy” and “Debbie Downer,” rounded off the nearly four-hour episode, which included more than 180 cast members and comedians celebrating the show’s unparalleled influence on American humor.
Interestingly, 50 years after the show first premiered on October 11, 1975, its cultural impact remains undeniable. Throughout its run, SNL has been known for its ability to adapt, evolve, and remain relevant, even through shifts in viewing habits and the emergence of new media platforms. The current SNL cast members include humorists like Kenan Thompson, Michael Che, and Chloe Fineman, demonstrating the show’s commitment to fresh talent.
While the gatherings offered fans unforgettable moments, some were left puzzled by the absence of Taylor Swift, who had participated at the show’s 40th anniversary. Speculation ran high concerning her strained friendships with Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, leading to lively debate during podcasts among alumni. Former SNL cast member Dana Carvey discussed having watched the anniversary special with Swift, where discussions of Reynolds’ jokes during the special were also touched upon.
David Spade stated, "Here’s my theory. Two theories about this whole thing... I think Taylor Swift did not come... I think there's a little bit of minor friction possibly, I don't know for sure." Carvey added his perspective to the conversation, remarking how the show would avoid controversial humor without the host being aware. This reflection on cast dynamics across the years only added another layer to SNL's storied narrative.
All things considered, Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary celebration not only spotlighted the show’s legacy but also its enduring ability to bring together legends and newcomers alike. With the next live installment slated for March 1, featuring Shane Gillis as host and Tate McRae as the musical guest, fans are eager to see what's next for the iconic series. The celebration may have ended, but the laughter and camaraderie it celebrated will undoubtedly continue to resonate for years to come.