Get ready to celebrate a milestone moment in television history—Saturday Night Live (SNL) is turning 50! This iconic show, which has been a cornerstone of American comedy and culture for decades, is marking its golden anniversary in style. NBC is pulling out all the stops to commemorate this occasion, with not one but two major events scheduled for February. On Sunday, February 16, at 8:00 p.m. ET, the network will air a primetime 50th-anniversary special that promises to be a star-studded affair, featuring appearances from current and former cast members, as well as some very special guests. But that’s not all—just two days earlier, on Valentine’s Day, February 14, SNL will take over Radio City Music Hall for a live concert event titled SNL50: The Homecoming Concert, which will stream exclusively on Peacock.
The excitement for these events is already building, and the SNL social media team is fueling the nostalgia with a fun campaign called “50 Seasons in 50 Days.” If you’re active on Instagram, you might have noticed that the official SNL account has been uploading classic clips from its vast archives, one for each season, leading up to the anniversary. These snippets are serving as a perfect reminder of the show’s incredible legacy and its ability to make us laugh through the years. Among the many treasures being shared is a hilarious sketch from Season 17 titled “Mr. Belvedere Fan Club,” featuring the incomparable Tom Hanks. If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor and seek it out—it’s a timeless gem that still holds up today. For fans of the show, this is the perfect opportunity to revisit some of its most iconic moments and relive the magic that has made SNL a household name.
But while the 50th-anniversary celebration is just around the corner, many fans are wondering if they’ll get to enjoy a new episode of SNL this weekend. As of February 8, the answer is no—tonight’s episode is a rerun from Season 50, featuring the talented Charli XCX as both the host and musical guest. If you missed it the first time around, this is a great chance to catch up. However, the wait for new content won’t be too long. SNL is taking a brief hiatus to prepare for its milestone anniversary event, but it will return with fresh episodes after the special airs.
For those eagerly awaiting the anniversary special, the countdown is officially on. The SNL50: The Anniversary Special will air live on Sunday, February 16, at 8:00 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. This is going to be a must-watch event for any SNL fan, as it will bring together a mix of current and former cast members, as well as some surprise guests, to celebrate five decades of laughter, satire, and unforgettable moments. And if that’s not enough, the previously mentioned Homecoming Concert at Radio City Music Hall on February 14 will give fans another chance to experience the magic of SNL in a live setting. Both events promise to be unforgettable, so mark your calendars and set those reminders.
Those who prefer to watch SNL from the comfort of their homes have plenty of options. The show airs live on NBC, and viewers with a valid cable login can also stream it via NBC.com. Additionally, several popular streaming services—such as Sling TV, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, and YouTube TV—offer live access to NBC. This means you don’t have to miss out on the action even if you’re not tied to traditional cable. Many of these services also offer free trials for new subscribers, making it easier than ever to tune in. And for those who’d rather catch up the next day, Peacock has you covered. Each new episode of SNL is available to stream on Peacock shortly after it airs, so you can enjoy it at your convenience.
In short, there’s no better time to be an SNL fan than right now. With the 50th-anniversary special and the Homecoming Concert just days away, the celebration of this comedy institution is in full swing. Whether you’re a longtime fan who’s been tuning in for decades or a newer viewer discovering the show’s brilliance, there’s something for everyone in this milestone year. So grab some popcorn, gather your friends, and get ready to laugh your way through five decades of SNL history. What’s your favorite SNL sketch? Let’s chat in the comments!
