With its 50th season premiering on September 28, 2024, and slated to conclude on May 17, 2025, Saturday Night Live is celebrating its legacy with some high-profile hosts. Upcoming episodes will feature comedic heavyweights, including Dave Chappelle and Timothée Chalamet, both of whom are expected to bring their unique styles to the iconic stage of NBC’s long-running sketch comedy show.
SNL’s next episode will see Chappelle taking the helm on January 18, accompanied by rapper GloRilla as the musical guest. Shortly after, on January 25, Chalamet will make his own mark on the show, serving as both host and musical guest. This season has revealed new episodes not airing on February 1 or February 8, 2025, with SNL returning on February 15, just before the highly anticipated 50th Anniversary Special.
The 50th anniversary special is bound to be nostalgic, featuring beloved former and current cast members alongside memorable hosts from the show's storied past. Drew Barrymore has already committed to her involvement, sharing her excitement during an interview. Barrymore, who is part of SNL’s esteemed Five-Timers Club, has hosted the show multiple times since her child star debut. She expressed her willingness to join the special, saying, “I don’t know to what extent, but I will be there.”
Interestingly, the anniversary special coincides with SNL’s rich history of notable and sometimes controversial moments, including the most recent uproar surrounding Cast Member Colin Jost. During the Weekend Update segment, he delivered a joke penned by co-anchor Michael Che, which shocked even his wife, Scarlett Johansson. The moment became especially infamous when Johansson, reacting backstage, exclaimed, “Oh my God,” referencing the joke's vulgarity.
Jost later discussed the incident on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, clarifying his surprise when the joke took unexpected turns during the live broadcast. He stated, “I didn’t know where it was going, and then the graphic came up for Arby’s,” which added emphasis to the punchline involving roast beef—a moment Johansson described as feeling like “To Catch a Predator.” This candid exchange underscored how even the most seasoned SNL cast members encounter surprises during live performances.
Despite the shocking exchange, Jost conveyed lightheartedness, reassuring viewers and Johansson, who was visibly shaken during the segment. Their dynamic continues to play out humorously, showing they are managing the aftermath of the situation. Even after Scarlett jokingly accused Che of having “a vendetta” against her, the couple maintains their playful camaraderie.
Returning to SNL’s impressive patterns, the venture through Season 50 is marked by its current and former cast members fostering collaboration and comedy. The addition of major names as hosts elevates events, ensuring the humor resonates across generations—especially with Chappelle, known for pushing comedic boundaries, set to lead the show next.
With countless iconic sketches enriched by the plethora of talent, SNL is built upon the foundations of skilled comedic storytellers and unforgettable characters. This season encapsulates both the legacy and the latest contributions, ensuring laughter remains central to the SNL experience.
The anticipation surrounding the upcoming special adds to the hopeful vigor of the cast and crew as they prepare for yet another groundbreaking episode. The show, having faced triumphs and tribulations, continues to be a forge for comedic talent, showcasing the bravery needed to tackle controversial topics and themes.
Looking forward, the airwaves will likely see additional iconic performances before the conclusion of this remarkable season, including the Friends reunion-style cameo appearances and celebrations of the alumni who shaped the show. The legacy of SNL is bound to be honored, with both laughter and reverence blending as they prepare for this signature milestone.