SNL’s Golden Anniversary: A Celebration of Comedy and Culture
Published on Feb. 26, 2025, at 5:53 p.m.
by Evie Feinour.
“Live from New York, It’s Saturday Night!,” mega pop star Sabrina Carpenter and legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon exclaimed in unison, kicking off the special 50th anniversary episode of the iconic comedy sketch show, “Saturday Night Live.” Despite coming from different backgrounds and eras, the pairing of the two musical artists symbolized the fusion of past and present in celebrating 50 years of “Saturday Night Live” as a staple of American culture.
“Saturday Night Live,” more commonly known as SNL, first aired in October 1975, and since then the show has been demonstrating how comedy’s cultural impact extends beyond the television screen. For half a century, the late night show has been a comedic reflection of the world, satirizing current events and shaping political conversations.
On Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, past cast members, A-list celebrities and musical personalities piled into iconic Studio 8H for “SNL50.” The three-hour-long special masterfully blended nostalgia, star-studded appearances and the classic SNL humor to capture public attention and reignite enthusiasm for the show’s legacy.
Fifty years is a remarkable milestone for any television show, and that longevity is part of what makes this anniversary so special. But how do you capture half a century of history in just one night? “Saturday Night Live” and its host network, NBC, built anticipation for the event by weaving nostalgia into both the promotional campaign and the special itself, inviting audiences to celebrate the show’s enduring legacy.
Josh Feldman, NBCU’s chief marketing officer for advertising and partnerships, shared the promotional strategy for the special in an interview with Forbes. Rather than drawing inspiration from traditional entertainment marketing, the team looked to the Olympic Games’ promotional model, beginning planning over two years ago. Their approach centered on selecting a few key sponsors to serve as premier partners throughout the anniversary year, creating a cohesive and far-reaching campaign.
Feldman and the NBCU team collaborated with CapitalOne to revive the iconic “Delicious Dish” sketch, featuring former cast members Ana Gasteyer and Molly Shannon. Likewise, legendary cast members Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader and Fred Armisen reunited for a revival of “The Californians” sketch to help Volkswagen unveil the return of its iconic VW bus.
The nostalgia didn’t end with the promotion — it carried through to the live broadcast, where former cast members reunited to revive iconic sketches and moments. The monologue was led by 16-time host Steve Martin, setting the tone for a night of comedic celebration. Bill Murray returned to the “Weekend Update” desk to rank former hosts, while beloved sketches like “Debbie Downer,” “Black Jeopardy” and “Scared Straight” made a comeback with previous and new cast members, filling the studio with laughter and bringing cherished memories back to life.
While reflecting on the past was a key part of building buzz for the anniversary special, showcasing current and rising stars was just as essential. SNL cast members Sarah Sherman and Bowen Yang collaborated with CeraVe to create multi-platform content for its new shampoo campaign. Likewise, Kenan Thompson and Marcello Hernandez teamed up with T-Mobile, blending comedy with brand partnerships to extend the celebration beyond the screen.
At the event itself, celebrities filled the rows and the stage. Kim Kardashian dazzled in the “Dooneese” sketch, alongside Will Ferrell, Kristin Wiig and Scarlett Johansson. Ryan Reynolds and wife Blake Lively made an unexpected cameo in a Q&A segment with former cast members Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. People were shocked to see the married couple out amid a tumultuous legal battle with Lively’s former cast member Justin Baldoni — but even more shocking was when he seemingly joked about the situation saying, “Great! Why? What have you heard?” in a concerned tone when asked how he was doing.
All in all, the “Saturday Night Live” 50th anniversary special wasn’t just a tribute to the show’s history — it was a testament to its enduring influence on comedy, culture and collective memory. By blending nostalgia with contemporary star power and leveraging innovative promotional strategies, SNL and NBC crafted an event that resonated across generations. These strategies came together seamlessly, making the special the most-watched entertainment broadcast in five years, with over 14.8 million viewers.
The outpouring of online buzz and media coverage proved that the show’s ability to capture the cultural moment is as sharp as ever. As the credits rolled and the cast gathered on stage for the traditional farewell, one thing was clear: “Saturday Night Live” isn’t just a reflection of American culture — it’s a cornerstone of it. And if the 50th anniversary special is any indication, SNL will continue making audiences laugh for years to come.
