New York, NY – May 26, 2025 – Saturday Night Live (SNL) has kicked off its monumental 50th season with an impressive lineup of hosts and musical guests, marking a half-century of comedy, satire, and cultural impact. The milestone season, which premiered on September 28, 2024, has already delivered unforgettable moments with hosts like Jean Smart, Ariana Grande, and Michael Keaton, alongside a roster of A-list talent. As the season nears its finale, the show continues to blend nostalgia, humor, and star power, cementing its place as a cornerstone of American entertainment.
A Historic Season Begins with Jean Smart
The season opened with a bang, as Emmy-winning actress Jean Smart took the stage for her SNL hosting debut on September 28, 2024. Known for her standout role in Hacks, Smart brought her sharp wit and commanding presence to Studio 8H. Paired with musical guest Jelly Roll, the premiere set the tone for a season filled with fresh faces and iconic performances. Smart’s episode featured the return of SNL alum Maya Rudolph as Vice President Kamala Harris, a recurring highlight of the season’s election-themed sketches. The combination of Smart’s comedic timing and Jelly Roll’s soulful performance made for a memorable start to the historic season.
Smart’s monologue reflected on the show’s 50-year legacy, playfully acknowledging its cultural significance while delivering laughs. The episode also showcased SNL’s knack for political satire, with Rudolph’s Harris facing off against James Austin Johnson’s Donald Trump in a dueling rallies sketch that had audiences buzzing.
Ariana Grande’s Viral Moment
On October 12, 2024, pop superstar Ariana Grande returned to host SNL for the second time, joined by musical guest Stevie Nicks. Grande, fresh off the release of her album Eternal Sunshine and preparing for her role in the upcoming Wicked film, delivered an episode that became the most-watched since 2021, drawing nearly 6 million same-day viewers. Her comedic chops shone through in a variety of sketches, but it was the “Domingo” sketch that stole the show and went viral.
In the “Domingo” sketch, Grande played a bridesmaid delivering a hilarious parody of Sabrina Carpenter’s hit song “Espresso,” reimagined as a wedding reception performance about a bachelorette party hookup. The sketch, featuring SNL cast members like Marcello Hernandez, resonated with audiences and even earned praise from Carpenter herself. Grande’s ability to lean into her theater-kid roots while showcasing her vocal talent made the episode a standout. She also impressed with spot-on impressions of Celine Dion and Jennifer Coolidge, proving her versatility beyond music.
Grande’s monologue was refreshingly humble, with the star emphasizing her desire to “have fun” and “keep it low-key.” Her chemistry with cast members like Bowen Yang, her Wicked co-star, added an extra layer of charm to the episode. The combination of Grande’s star power and SNL’s sharp writing made this episode a highlight of the season, setting a high bar for the hosts to follow.
Michael Keaton’s Beetlejuice-Fueled Return
On October 19, 2024, Michael Keaton returned to host SNL for the fourth time, bringing his signature charisma and comedic flair. Fresh off the success of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Keaton leaned into the nostalgia of his iconic role during his monologue, which was interrupted by cast members Mikey Day and Andy Samberg, both dressed as Beetlejuice. The trio, joined by Sarah Sherman, playfully badgered Keaton into delivering his famous “It’s showtime” catchphrase, delighting the audience.
Keaton’s episode featured a mix of sketches that showcased his versatility, from a parody of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show to a TikTok-inspired sketch about doomscrolling. While some sketches fell flat, Keaton’s grounded presence and willingness to embrace quirky characters kept the episode engaging. A surprise cameo from Alec Baldwin as Fox News’ Bret Baier in the cold open added an extra layer of intrigue, marking Baldwin’s first SNL appearance since the dismissal of charges related to the Rust incident.
Keaton’s monologue also reflected on his early career, noting that when SNL premiered in 1975, he was working as a production assistant on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. His quip about the similarities between the two shows—“lots of puppets, tons of cocaine”—landed perfectly, blending humor with a nod to the era. Keaton’s return underscored SNL’s ability to tap into its rich history while staying relevant in its 50th season.
A Season Packed with A-List Talent
Beyond Smart, Grande, and Keaton, SNL’s 50th season has featured an eclectic mix of hosts, including Nate Bargatze, John Mulaney, Bill Burr, Charli XCX, Paul Mescal, Chris Rock, Martin Short, Dave Chappelle, Timothée Chalamet, Lady Gaga, Mikey Madison, Jon Hamm, Quinta Brunson, Walton Goggins, and Scarlett Johansson. The season’s final three episodes, airing in May 2025, will see Brunson (May 3), Goggins (May 10), and Johansson (May 17) close out the season with musical guests Benson Boone, Arcade Fire, and Bad Bunny, respectively.
Each host has brought something unique to the table. Bargatze’s October 5 episode leaned into his everyman humor, with a sequel to his 2023 “Washington’s Dream” sketch earning laughs. Mulaney’s November 2 episode paired his sharp comedic sensibility with musical guest Chappell Roan, while Charli XCX pulled double duty as host and musical guest on November 16. The season has also seen viral moments, like Grande’s “Domingo” sketch and Lady Gaga’s return to Studio 8H, alongside political satire featuring recurring guest stars like Maya Rudolph and Dana Carvey.
A Primetime Special and Beyond
SNL’s 50th-anniversary celebration culminated in a primetime special on February 16, 2025, featuring appearances from Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Dave Chappelle, Miley Cyrus, and Kim Kardashian, among others. The special, while criticized by some for focusing too heavily on recent sketches like “Domingo,” offered a mix of nostalgia and new material. Highlights included Kristen Wiig reprising her bizarre Dooneese character and a somber clip of John Belushi from the show’s early days.
The special served as a capstone to a season that has balanced reflection on SNL’s storied past with forward-looking comedy. The show’s ability to attract top-tier talent and produce viral moments underscores its enduring relevance. As the season draws to a close, fans are already looking forward to what’s next, with rumors swirling about potential hosts for the remaining episodes and the official 50th anniversary of SNL’s first episode on October 11, 2025.
Why SNL Season 50 Matters
SNL’s 50th season is more than just a milestone—it’s a testament to the show’s ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. From Jean Smart’s commanding debut to Ariana Grande’s viral sketches and Michael Keaton’s nostalgic return, the season has delivered a mix of humor, music, and cultural commentary that resonates with audiences. The star-studded lineup, combined with sharp political satire and memorable performances, has kept SNL at the forefront of American comedy.
As the season wraps up with hosts like Quinta Brunson, Walton Goggins, and Scarlett Johansson, SNL continues to prove why it’s been a cultural institution for half a century. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new viewer, Season 50 offers something for everyone, blending the best of SNL’s past with a bold vision for its future.
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