What time is the SNL 50th anniversary tribute show? How to watch on TV and online

“Saturday Night Live” has become a staple of many Americans’ TV watching habits for the last 50 years, which is precisely the reason a 50th anniversary special will be airing this weekend, hot on the heels of the “Homecoming Concert” episode.

“Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special”: date, time, how to watch

Viewers in the United States can watch the “Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special” on Sunday, February 16, starting at 8:00 p.m. ET. The show, which is expected to last three hours, will be aired on NBC and Peacock.

SNL 50th tribute: who and what to expect

As you might expect for such an occasion, a star-studded guest list has been lined up, with initial headliners announced on February 6. Among those who will be appearing are Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Adam Sandler, Paul McCartney and Miley Cyrus (although choosing just six names to include here was a difficult task).

NBC hasn’t given anything away about what we should expect, although the 40th anniversary episode contained lots of ensemble sketches with a large number of performers, which might be a guide. On top of that, we are almost certainly in for a good sprinkling of music.

When was the first ever episode of “Saturday Night Live”?

“Saturday Night Live” first aired as “NBC’s Saturday Night” on October 11, 1975, which means the show is still a few months off being 50 years old. The special is a celebration of its 50th season, rather than its true longevity.

The 50th anniversary special will be preceded by a one hour live red carpet special, which will be shown on NBC and Peacock too. It will be hosted by Amelia Dimoldenberg, who will also be a red carpet correspondent at the 2025 Academy Awards.

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