Saturday Night Live Cast Season 50: Complete Guide & Milestones
A milestone year merging veteran performers and new talent to redefine comedy’s future.
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Saturday Night Live Season 50: Cast, Hosts, Milestones & More
Saturday Night Live (SNL) reached its historic 50th season in 2024-2025, a major milestone for the iconic NBC sketch show that first hit the airwaves in 1975. Season 50 features a blend of veteran performers, exciting newcomers, notable departures, and a star-studded lineup of guest hosts and musical acts, all culminating in the landmark SNL 50th Anniversary Special. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this guide covers everything you need to know about SNL’s golden anniversary season.
Main Cast Members of SNL Season 50
The core strength of SNL has always been its cast: versatile comedians who create memorable characters and bring laughs week after week. For Season 50, the main cast consists of long-time favorites and recent standouts, ensuring a dynamic mix of comedy styles and personalities.
- Michael Che
- Mikey Day
- Andrew Dismukes
- Chloe Fineman
- Heidi Gardner
- Marcello Hernandez
- James Austin Johnson
- Colin Jost
- Michael Longfellow
- Ego Nwodim
- Sarah Sherman
- Kenan Thompson
- Devon Walker
- Bowen Yang
This mix includes SNL stalwarts like Kenan Thompson, who continues to set records as the show’s longest-tenured cast member, and Weekend Update anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che.
New Featured Players for Season 50
Every year, SNL introduces promising new talent to its ensemble. For the 2024-2025 season, three fresh faces joined as Featured Players:
- Ashley Padilla
- Emil Wakim
- Jane Wickline
They bring diverse voices and fresh comedic energy, quickly making their mark in sketches and live performances as they learn the ropes alongside SNL’s seasoned performers.
Departed Cast Members
Season 50 also marks the end of the SNL run for several beloved players. Over the summer leading into the new season, the following cast members departed:
- Punkie Johnson
- Molly Kearney
- Chloe Troast
Their contributions in recent seasons helped shape the show’s comedic direction and are cherished by fans.
Sketch Comedy and Writer’s Room Highlights
Behind the scenes, the SNL writers’ room remains a powerhouse of comedy creativity. Season 50 prominently featured work from the Please Don’t Destroy trio:
- Ben Marshall
- Martin Herlihy
- John Higgins
Their digital shorts and live sketches, including the much-talked-about roast-off with host Charli XCX, blend absurdist humor with pop culture satire, demonstrating SNL’s continuing evolution and impact on internet comedy.
Season 50 Hosts: Who Took the Stage?
Guest hosts are an SNL tradition, each bringing a distinct style and energy. Season 50’s hosting roster balanced Hollywood icons, returning SNL veterans, popular musicians, and first-time hosts.
- Jean Smart (Premiere Host, 9/28/24)
- Jack Black
- Jon Hamm
- Quinta Brunson
- Walton Goggins
- Paul Mescal
- Mikey Madison
- Martin Short
- Lady Gaga
- Scarlett Johansson (Broke record for most female SNL hosts with her 7th appearance)
This season spotlighted Scarlett Johansson’s historic 7th hosting gig, officially crowning her the most frequent female host, surpassing Tina Fey and Drew Barrymore. Other episodes saw Maya Rudolph, Andy Samberg, and Alec Baldwin make notable guest appearances. Several hosts are members of SNL’s exclusive Five-Timers Club, celebrating those who’ve hosted at least five times. John Mulaney, for example, joined this club, marking his first appearance with the Season 50 cast.
Popular Musical Guests
SNL Season 50’s musical performances were as varied and star-studded as its hosts, including:
- Jelly Roll (Season premiere)
- Other episodes featured popular contemporary acts and surprise appearances by legacy performers.
Each musical guest contributed a unique flavor to their respective episodes, drawing in viewers from across genres.
SNL50: The Anniversary Special
The 50th Anniversary Special aired as a three-hour event on February 16, 2025, celebrating half a century of groundbreaking sketch comedy. The special featured:
- Appearances by SNL legends from all eras
- Tributes to classic sketches and iconic moments
- Exclusive behind-the-scenes stories shared by contributors
- Guest performances from celebrated alumni
Initial headliners were announced in advance, with additional surprise guests joining live or appearing via video. While some alumni (such as Dan Aykroyd and Bill Hader) were absent due to personal commitments, many others returned to mark the occasion. For instance, Tom Hanks, Paul Rudd, Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Emma Stone, John Mulaney, and Jimmy Fallon participated in milestone sketches and the Five-Timers induction.
SNL’s Presidential Politics Parodies in 2024-2025
Season 50 coincided with the 2024 presidential election cycle, giving rise to memorable political satire:
- James Austin Johnson reprised his critically acclaimed portrayal of Donald Trump
- Maya Rudolph returned to play Vice President Kamala Harris
These impersonations added topical humor and cultural relevance to the season, continuing SNL’s legacy as a sharp barometer of American politics.
Returning and First-Time Hosts: Why They Matter
| Host | Hosting Count | Notable Sketches/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Scarlett Johansson | 7 | Broke female host record; Multiple recurring characters. |
| Jack Black | Multiple | Musical energy; Memorable monologues & physical comedy. |
| John Mulaney | 5 | Five-Timers Club induction; Revered by cast/writers. |
| Jean Smart | 1 | Season 50 premiere; warmth and wit. |
| Martin Short | Multiple | Classic physical and character comedy; featured in anniversary special. |
How to Watch SNL Season 50
Saturday Night Live Season 50 aired Saturday nights at 11:30/10:30c on NBC and Peacock. Missed an episode? All sketches and musical performances are available to stream on Peacock and NBC’s official website. The Season 51 premiere follows in October 2025, keeping SNL’s legacy going strong.
Legacy and Impact: 50 Years of SNL
From the original Not Ready for Prime Time Players to today’s socially savvy comics, SNL has launched countless careers and shaped generations of comedy and pop culture. Season 50 paid tribute to classic sketches, influential alumni, and the visionary stewardship of creator Lorne Michaels. Its ongoing relevance comes from its ability to reinvent itself, spotlight new talent, and remain fiercely topical.
Frequently Asked Questions About SNL Season 50
Q: Who are the main returning cast members for SNL Season 50?
A: Returning main cast members include Kenan Thompson, Colin Jost, Michael Che, Chloe Fineman, Heidi Gardner, Marcello Hernandez, James Austin Johnson, Mikey Day, Ego Nwodim, Sarah Sherman, Bowen Yang, Andrew Dismukes, Devon Walker, and Michael Longfellow.
Q: Who are the new featured players for Season 50?
A: Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline joined as featured players for the 2024-2025 season.
Q: Who left the cast before Season 50?
A: Punkie Johnson, Molly Kearney, and Chloe Troast departed SNL ahead of Season 50.
Q: What made the 50th anniversary special unique?
A: The SNL50: Anniversary Special featured extended reunions, tributes, behind-the-scenes stories, appearances by numerous alumni, and celebrated 50 years of sketch history.
Q: How did SNL handle 2024’s political cycle?
A: Maya Rudolph returned as Kamala Harris and James Austin Johnson continued his portrayal of Donald Trump, driving political comedy throughout the season.
Q: Where can fans stream SNL episodes?
A: All episodes and collections are streaming on Peacock and NBC’s platforms.
Conclusion: SNL’s Unmatched Variety in Season 50
The 50th season of Saturday Night Live not only showcased its current comedic elite but celebrated legends and welcomed new talent. From unforgettable hosted episodes to a landmark anniversary special, from sharp political satire to viral digital shorts, SNL reinforced its reputation for innovation, daring, and relentless entertainment. As it moves forward, the traditions and spirit of SNL continue to find new voices—and new laughs—for the next fifty years and beyond.
References
- https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/snl-season-50-cast-members-2024-2025
- https://www.imdb.com/news/ni64853440/
- https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/everyone-hosting-snl-season-50
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturday_Night_Live_season_50
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturday_Night_Live_50th_Anniversary_Special
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