“Saturday Night Live” (SNL), the iconic comedy sketch show that has been a mainstay on television since 1975, is gearing up for its highly anticipated 50th season. As one of the longest-running TV shows in history, SNL continues to draw major celebrities, entertainers, and musicians, making it a cultural institution known for its biting satire, hilarious sketches, and unforgettable musical performances. To mark this milestone, the producers have lined up a stellar cast of hosts and musical guests that promises to make this season one of the most exciting yet.
Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, and Other Major Stars Set to Shine
One of the most talked-about aspects of this upcoming season is the participation of some of the biggest names in the music and entertainment industries. Mega pop star Ariana Grande is set to host an episode this season, a role that will allow her to showcase not only her singing talent but her comedic chops as well. Grande, who has won numerous awards for her music, has previously shown her ability to entertain in a variety of mediums, so her hosting gig is sure to draw attention from her legions of fans.
Joining Grande on the list of A-listers this season is Billie Eilish, one of the music industry’s youngest and most decorated stars. Eilish, who first performed on SNL in 2019, is returning as a musical guest. Known for her unique voice and dark, haunting songs, Eilish’s performance is expected to be a highlight of the season. Alongside these established names, Chappell Roan, an emerging artist who has been making waves in the music world, will also grace the SNL stage. Roan’s appearance signals the show’s commitment to giving fresh, rising talent a platform, something that has been part of the SNL tradition for decades.
An Impressive Lineup of Hosts and Musical Guests
SNL’s upcoming season will feature an impressive lineup of hosts and musical guests who are sure to keep viewers entertained. The season premiere, set for September 28, will be hosted by none other than Jean Smart, an actress who recently won an Emmy for her role in the HBO series “Hacks.” Smart’s sharp wit and proven comedic talent make her an excellent choice to kick off this landmark season. Accompanying her on the premiere episode will be Jelly Roll, a genre-blending musician known for his fusion of country, rock, and hip-hop. Jelly Roll’s performance will add a unique musical flair to the episode, ensuring the season starts off with a bang.
Following Smart’s episode, the show will feature comedian Nate Bargatze as the host on October 5. Bargatze, known for his laid-back comedic style and relatable humor, is sure to bring a fresh energy to the show. Fans of alternative rock will be thrilled as Coldplay, one of the world’s most beloved bands, takes the stage as the musical guest that night. Their performance is expected to include some of their classic hits as well as new music, making it a must-see episode.
On October 12, pop sensation Ariana Grande will step into the role of host, with Stevie Nicks, the legendary rock icon and former member of Fleetwood Mac, performing as the musical guest. This episode promises to be a memorable one, as both women are known for their strong presence and enormous fan followings. Nicks’ timeless music, paired with Grande’s comedic turn, is sure to make this episode one of the season’s most talked-about.
The season will continue to ramp up the excitement with Michael Keaton, the star of both classic films like “Beetlejuice” and more recent hits like “Birdman,” taking the reins as host on October 19. Keaton’s versatility as an actor, combined with his previous comedic appearances on SNL, makes his return to the show highly anticipated. Adding to the excitement, Billie Eilish will perform that night, bringing her genre-defying music back to the SNL stage. Eilish, who has a reputation for delivering mesmerizing live performances, will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
To round out the initial run of episodes, John Mulaney will make his return as host on November 2. Mulaney, a former SNL writer turned stand-up comedian and actor, has become a fan favorite on the show, known for his sharp wit and memorable sketches. His return is always a highlight for SNL devotees. Performing alongside Mulaney will be Chappell Roan, a breakout star in the music world who is quickly gaining recognition for her powerful voice and emotive performances. This combination of a seasoned host and rising musical talent will likely deliver an unforgettable episode.
Maya Rudolph’s Triumphant Return as Kamala Harris
One of the biggest draws of the upcoming season is the return of Maya Rudolph, a former SNL cast member who has continued to make guest appearances in recent years. Rudolph will reprise her much-loved role as Vice President Kamala Harris, a part she has played with great success throughout Harris’ time in office. With Harris running as the Democratic presidential candidate in the upcoming election, Rudolph’s portrayal is set to be a major feature of the show this season.
Rudolph’s performances as Harris have been widely praised for their humor and sharp political satire. In fact, CNN has reported that Rudolph is slated to continue playing Harris throughout the entirety of the 2024 election cycle, offering a humorous take on the campaign trail and the political challenges Harris will face. Fans of political satire will be eager to see how Rudolph tackles the ongoing developments in the election, especially as SNL continues its long-standing tradition of lampooning U.S. politics.
Political Spoofs: SNL’s Election Season Promise
As is tradition, SNL will focus heavily on political sketches this season, providing comedic commentary on the upcoming election. One of the biggest questions on fans’ minds is who will portray key figures in the 2024 election. James Austin Johnson, a current SNL cast member, has been performing as Donald Trump in recent seasons, and it’s expected that he will continue in that role, especially with Trump running as the Republican nominee.
However, it remains to be seen who will portray other major political figures like JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, and Tim Walz, who is Harris’ Vice Presidential pick. The anticipation surrounding these portrayals is a hallmark of SNL’s ability to stay relevant in the political discourse, using humor to engage viewers in the election process.
50th Anniversary Celebration: A Year of Milestones
In addition to the regular season, SNL fans have even more to look forward to in 2024. To commemorate the show’s 50th anniversary, NBC will air a live primetime special on Sunday, February 16, 2024. This special promises to be a star-studded celebration, honoring the many iconic moments, sketches, and performers that have graced the SNL stage over the last five decades. The special will likely feature appearances from former cast members, as well as musical performances and a retrospective look at the show’s enduring legacy.
In a further nod to SNL’s rich history, a movie titled “Saturday Night,” which tells the story of the making of the first-ever SNL episode, is set to be released in theaters nationwide next month. This film will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at how the legendary show came to be and will likely appeal to both longtime viewers and new fans eager to learn about the show’s roots.
A Season to Remember
With a stellar lineup of hosts, musical guests, and the return of some of SNL’s most beloved characters, the 50th season of “Saturday Night Live” is shaping up to be one for the ages. Whether it’s through political satire, star-studded performances, or nostalgic celebrations, SNL is poised to continue its reign as a cultural phenomenon, just as it has for the last five decades. Fans can expect laughs, surprises, and memorable moments as SNL once again solidifies its place in television history.
