After the momentous celebration of its 50th anniversary, Saturday Night Live (SNL) fans have been left buzzing. The iconic sketch comedy program delivered extraordinary highlights during its anniversary celebrations, most prominently showcased during the live three-hour special SNL50: The Anniversary Special, which aired on February 16, 2025. With memorable performances from many former cast members and celebrity guests, the special underscored the show's significant impact over five decades.
This past week, SNL had the spotlight on its significant moments, including the SNL50 Homecoming Concert on February 14. Hosted by former SNL cast member Jimmy Fallon at Radio City Music Hall, the concert featured performances from celebrated artists like Lady Gaga and Cher, bringing back memories to many long-time viewers. Fans hailed it as part of the legacy of the show, which continues to grow and evolve.
But after such whirlwind festivities, fans might be wondering—what's next for SNL? Well, here's the scoop. If you’re tuning in for new episodes, we’ve got some disappointing news: there won’t be any new episodes aired tonight, February 22, 2025. Instead, NBC will replay the audience-favorite episode from December 7, 2024, which starred Paul Mescal as host and Shaboozey as the musical guest. This rerun offers fans the chance to relive some of the memorable moments from the previous season.
Shane Gillis, who hosted SNL previously, will be making his return on March 1, 2025, as the show resumes its live episodes. He is set to be accompanied by the musical talent of Tate McRae. This installment marks the first fresh SNL episode since the culmination of extensive anniversary celebrations. Lady Gaga will follow shortly on March 8, pulling double duty on the stage as the host and musical guest.
Both Gillis and Gaga hold their own significant ties to the SNL community. Gaga will be promoting her latest album, Mayhem, expected to launch on March 7, the day before her performance. Following her first hosting gig on November 16, 2013, this will also be her second double duty performance, highlighting her continued relationship with SNL over the years.
Meanwhile, Gillis's return is noteworthy, especially considering his controversial history with the show. After being fired just days after he was originally hired in 2019 due to resurfaced podcast clips featuring racist remarks, he made his comeback to SNL under the guidance of show creator Lorne Michaels. Michaels had suggested previously, "He said something stupid, but it got blown up... I thought you haven’t seen what we’re going to do, and what I’m going to try to bring out in him," indicating how the show has evolved and responded to challenges over the years.
Throughout Season 50, viewers have been treated to numerous surprises. With each episode, SNL continues to showcase not only familiar faces but also new talent. The season kicked off on September 28, 2024, with notable hosts, including Jean Smart, Ariana Grande, and Michael Keaton. The cast features familiar names, such as Colin Jost and Michael Che, along with new members energized to carry the legacy forward.
Fans are excitedly anticipating the return of fresh sketches, comedy, and music as the show resumes its regular schedule. The next original episode starts at 11:30 p.m. EST on NBC, and viewers can catch it live through various streaming options, including Peacock.
The excitement builds as we count down to the unforgettable return of Saturday Night Live, blending tradition with innovation, and continuing to resonate across generations. Don't miss the chance to witness the incredible talent and timeless humor SNL has to offer as it charts its next half-century!