- The episode celebrating the 50th anniversary of the sketch show is coming soon
- It’s part of a bigger programme celebrating a half century of SNL
- Weirdly, the episode is airing on a Sunday
This year marks the 50th year of Saturday Night Live and the team behind it are celebrating in style.
In an age where TV shows barely seem to last, the classic entertainment show has stayed the course and its sketches still regularly do the rounds on social media. This has remained true for the show’s 50th season, which is airing currently. Even recently, the internet was gleefully sharing Timothee Chalamet‘s monologue where he lamented losing Oscars and having lonely nights “with my Dune popcorn bucket”.
In the five decades since its debut, it’s also launched the careers of countless comedy icons – from Tina Fey and Amy Poehler to Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler, Kristen Wiig and many, many more.
In the run-up to the show’s mammoth anniversary special, numerous other celebratory programmes have been airing. This includes the Beyond Saturday Night docuseries and a countdown of 50 sketches from each season of the show.
In late December, it was announced that Questlove will direct a new documentary all about SNL’s storied musical performances. It debuted earlier this week and is now available for streaming on Peacock a day later.
But when is the special airing and how can you watch it?
Where do I watch the 50th anniversary special?
The show will air live across time zones on NBC and Peacock on Sunday, February 16 – yes, a Sunday rather than a Saturday – starting at 8/7c, 5pm PT. There will also be a glitzy red carpet event taking place prior to the show starting.
What will happen in the special episode?
According to NBC, this three-hour extravaganza will be the “crown jewel of a big weekend of events highlighting the trailblazing sketch series’ rich history.” A trailer has already been released.
Other Saturday Night Live programming will be scheduled, with the channel teasing “a weekend-long look back at the late-night sketch series.” However, at the time of writing, nothing official has been released.
Read more: Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special
So far, we know that the special will feature a half-century worth of sketches, cast members, Hosts, and other collaborators from both the past and the present.
If the 40th anniversary special in February 2015 serves as any kind of guide, we might see multiple people step in to host in different segments of the show.
At the same time, details remain a very well-kept secret. Chances are, we’ll probably know more in the coming days.
