Saturday Night Live is celebrating 50 years on the air. Its first episode aired in October 1975, with a cast of comedians that included Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, and Gilda Radner. They went on to do great things, something that has become the M.O. of the show, known for launching the careers of dozens of icons.
SNL50 is a historic occasion, celebrating one of the longest-running network programs in the country. Here's all you should know about the weekend-long celebration:
What events are taking place?
© Will Heath/NBC via Getty ImagesSNL50 is kicking off tonight, with a three-hour show titled “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert” hosted by SNL alum Jimmy Fallo from Radio City Music Hall. The show kicks off at 8 pm ET, featuring performances from Arcade Fire, Backstreet Boys, Bad Bunny, Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, Brittany Howard, Chris Martin, David Byrne, DEVO, Eddie Vedder, Jack White, Jelly Roll, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Mumford & Sons, Post Malone, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Robyn, The B-52s, The Roots and more.
"SNL50: The Anniversary Special" will air on Sunday, kicking off at 8 pm ET. The show will air from Studio8 and features "legendary stars, live musical performances, and iconic sketches during an unmissable three-hour primetime event," per a statement shared by NBC.
Which celebrities are invited?
© Getty ImagesA mix of musicians, SNL alums, and hosts will be attending the show, including Kim Kardashian, Ayo Edebiri, Pedro Pascal, Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, and more.
How to watch
© GettyImagesYou can watch the concert live on NBC tonight, starting at 8 pm ET. You can also watch the Sunday special on Peacock, starting at 8 pm ET.
For those without cable, the show will simulcast on Peacock.
