SNL50th Special Full Recap: Debbie Downer Returns and Kate McKinnon's Alien Abductee Gets Taken Again, Plus All the Clips

Mar. 15, 2025

The red carpet forSNL50: The Anniversary Special.Photo:Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

Live, from New York, it’s . . . Sunday night!

The stars descended upon Manhattan and the iconic Studio 8H on Sunday, Feb. 16 to celebrate the 50th anniversary ofSaturday Night Live’s 1975 debut.

In addition to the returning cast members, other superstar talent who participated in the special includedSabrina Carpenter,Paul McCartney,Ayo Edebiri,Tom HanksandKim Kardashian.

Ahead of the special’s 8 p.m. start time, celebrities hit the red carpet in N.Y.C.’s midtown for a special livestream.

PEOPLE covered every moment fromSNL50: The Anniversary Speciallive, with updates on all the sketches, guest stars, red carpet moments, musical performances, special reunions and more. Read here for a full recap — and the clips.

Martin Short Closes OutSNLSpecial with Jam-Packed Stage and Lorne Michaels TributeFebruary 16, 2025 11:29 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostWith the Studio 8H stage so full of stars viewers would be hard-pressed to name all the celebrities present, Martin Short brought theSNL50: The Anniversary Specialto a close on Feb. 16.After naming the original cast members present, Short then turned to “the man who made our dreams come true, the one and only, Lorne Michaels” for a brief tribute.

Martin Short Closes OutSNLSpecial with Jam-Packed Stage and Lorne Michaels Tribute

February 16, 2025 11:29 PM EST

With the Studio 8H stage so full of stars viewers would be hard-pressed to name all the celebrities present, Martin Short brought theSNL50: The Anniversary Specialto a close on Feb. 16.

After naming the original cast members present, Short then turned to “the man who made our dreams come true, the one and only, Lorne Michaels” for a brief tribute.

Paul McCartney Sings the Beatles' Hits DuringSNL50February 16, 2025 11:25 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostPaul McCartney revisited 1969’sAbbey Roadto help close out the evening and theSNL50anniversary special.Of The Beatles tracks McCartney and his backing band performed were “Golden Slumbers,” “Carry That Weight” and “The End.“Paul McCartney.NBC

Paul McCartney Sings the Beatles' Hits DuringSNL50

February 16, 2025 11:25 PM EST

Paul McCartney revisited 1969’sAbbey Roadto help close out the evening and theSNL50anniversary special.

Of The Beatles tracks McCartney and his backing band performed were “Golden Slumbers,” “Carry That Weight” and “The End.”

Paul McCartney.NBC

NBC

Garrett Morris, 88, Jokes He Had ‘No Idea’ He’d Be ‘Required to Do So Many Reunion Shows’February 16, 2025 11:14 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostGarrett Morris, one ofSaturday Night Live’s original cast members, appeared onstage briefly to share an old video sketch, “Don’t Look Back in Anger.“While introducing the clip, Morris, 88, joked, “I had no idea, ya’ll, that I would be required to do so many reunion shows.“In the video, John Belushi shared humorous predictions for the futures of the original cast members and how they’d pass on.The firstSNLstars were Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Morris, Jane Curtin, John Belushi and Laraine Newman.

Garrett Morris, 88, Jokes He Had ‘No Idea’ He’d Be ‘Required to Do So Many Reunion Shows’

February 16, 2025 11:14 PM EST

Garrett Morris, one ofSaturday Night Live’s original cast members, appeared onstage briefly to share an old video sketch, “Don’t Look Back in Anger.”

While introducing the clip, Morris, 88, joked, “I had no idea, ya’ll, that I would be required to do so many reunion shows.”

In the video, John Belushi shared humorous predictions for the futures of the original cast members and how they’d pass on.

The firstSNLstars were Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Morris, Jane Curtin, John Belushi and Laraine Newman.

February 16, 2025 11:06 PM EST

Don’t let Eddie Murphy and Keenan Thompson catch you shoplifting.

Murphy and Thompson delivered some Harry Potter-themed fear-mongering in a “Scared Straight” sketch during theSNLspecial episode on Sunday.

“It starts with shoplifting, guess where it ends?” Thompson said, with Murphy suggesting, “Genocide.”

Will Ferrell also came out toward the end of the sketch, wearing extremely short shorts as prisoner “Big Red” and delivering threats based onElf.

Debbie Downer Laments Bird Flu, Gout, MicroplasticsFebruary 16, 2025 10:56 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostRachel Dratch has seen all the negative, fear-mongering headlines in 2025 — and she’s ready to spread the bad news as Debbie Downer.Over 20 years after she first debuted the character, Dratch was back as Debbie and feeling super negative while pouring drinks atSNL50for Drew Barrymore, Ayo Edebiri and Jimmy Fallon.Among her gripes? The rampant bird flu’s effect on egg prices, her own gout struggle and microplastics.Also during the sketch, Robert De Niro nearly choked Debbie — but only after Barrymore got a little too close to the actor (a self-jab about Barrymore’s personal space issues).

Debbie Downer Laments Bird Flu, Gout, Microplastics

February 16, 2025 10:56 PM EST

Rachel Dratch has seen all the negative, fear-mongering headlines in 2025 — and she’s ready to spread the bad news as Debbie Downer.

Over 20 years after she first debuted the character, Dratch was back as Debbie and feeling super negative while pouring drinks atSNL50for Drew Barrymore, Ayo Edebiri and Jimmy Fallon.

Among her gripes? The rampant bird flu’s effect on egg prices, her own gout struggle and microplastics.

Also during the sketch, Robert De Niro nearly choked Debbie — but only after Barrymore got a little too close to the actor (a self-jab about Barrymore’s personal space issues).

Lil Wayne Gets Support from The Roots for Career-Spanning Medley After Super Bowl DisappointmentFebruary 16, 2025 10:44 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostLil Waynepulled together a medley of some of his biggest hitsduring hisSNL50: The Anniversary Specialperformance with The Roots.Kicking off with “Uproar,” the rapper then segued into “Lollipop,” “6 Foot 7 Foot,” “Mrs. Officer,” and, finally, “A Milli.“The performance comes after Lil Waynevery publicly voiced his disappointmentafter not being chosen as the Super Bowl 2025 halftime performer as a New Orleans native. The rapper previously explained that it “made me feel like s— not getting this opportunity.”

Lil Wayne Gets Support from The Roots for Career-Spanning Medley After Super Bowl Disappointment

February 16, 2025 10:44 PM EST

Lil Waynepulled together a medley of some of his biggest hitsduring hisSNL50: The Anniversary Specialperformance with The Roots.

Kicking off with “Uproar,” the rapper then segued into “Lollipop,” “6 Foot 7 Foot,” “Mrs. Officer,” and, finally, “A Milli.”

The performance comes after Lil Waynevery publicly voiced his disappointmentafter not being chosen as the Super Bowl 2025 halftime performer as a New Orleans native. The rapper previously explained that it “made me feel like s— not getting this opportunity.”

Bronx BeatMeetsCoffee Talk, with Mike Meyers Making HisSNLReturnFebruary 16, 2025 10:32 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostTwo ofSaturday Night Live’s most iconic faux talk shows got a reboot forSNL50:Bronx BeatandCoffee Talk.Amy Poehler’s Betty Caruso and Maya Rudolph’s Jodi Deitz celebrated “sweater weather” and brought up Miles Teller from the audience for a sit-down on theirBronx Beat, first.Grilling Teller about his acting career, they discovered his turn as Rooster inTop Gun: Maverick.“Look at you little cutie,Top Gun 2. . .. I’m proud of you,” Rudolph told Teller, increasingly annoyed that the pair keep referring to the movie asTop Gun 2.Mike Meyers then came out as Linda Richman from his recurring sketch,Coffee Talk, frequently becoming “verklempt” while chatting with Betty and Jodi.

Bronx BeatMeetsCoffee Talk, with Mike Meyers Making HisSNLReturn

February 16, 2025 10:32 PM EST

Two ofSaturday Night Live’s most iconic faux talk shows got a reboot forSNL50:Bronx BeatandCoffee Talk.

Amy Poehler’s Betty Caruso and Maya Rudolph’s Jodi Deitz celebrated “sweater weather” and brought up Miles Teller from the audience for a sit-down on theirBronx Beat, first.

Grilling Teller about his acting career, they discovered his turn as Rooster inTop Gun: Maverick.

“Look at you little cutie,Top Gun 2. . .. I’m proud of you,” Rudolph told Teller, increasingly annoyed that the pair keep referring to the movie asTop Gun 2.

Mike Meyers then came out as Linda Richman from his recurring sketch,Coffee Talk, frequently becoming “verklempt” while chatting with Betty and Jodi.

John Mulaney’s LatestSNLMusical Brings Back Jason Sudeikis, David Spade, Maya Rudolph and Will ForteFebruary 16, 2025 10:17 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostJohn Mulaney honored New York City’s dark times and changes through a decades-spanning musical, starring countless former cast members during theSNL50th special on Feb. 16.The sketch brought outSNLalum including Pete Davidson, Jason Sudeikis, David Spade, Maya Rudolph, Will Forte and Taran Killam to sing New York-ified versions of songs from shows likeLes Miserables,FameandHamilton.Celebrity guest performers included Adam Driver (dressed as a hot dog!), Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas and Scarlett Johansson.Nathan Lane even sang a tweaked version of hisLion Kingcharacter Timon’s “Hakuna Matata” — this time, about cocaine.

John Mulaney’s LatestSNLMusical Brings Back Jason Sudeikis, David Spade, Maya Rudolph and Will Forte

February 16, 2025 10:17 PM EST

John Mulaney honored New York City’s dark times and changes through a decades-spanning musical, starring countless former cast members during theSNL50th special on Feb. 16.

The sketch brought outSNLalum including Pete Davidson, Jason Sudeikis, David Spade, Maya Rudolph, Will Forte and Taran Killam to sing New York-ified versions of songs from shows likeLes Miserables,FameandHamilton.

Celebrity guest performers included Adam Driver (dressed as a hot dog!), Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas and Scarlett Johansson.

Nathan Lane even sang a tweaked version of hisLion Kingcharacter Timon’s “Hakuna Matata” — this time, about cocaine.

Adam Sandler Sings Original Song About 50 Years ofSNL

February 16, 2025 10:03 PM EST

Adam Sandler.

The lyrics included plenty of behind-the-scenes tidbits, including “50 years of prank calling someNew York Magazinecritic,” “50 years of cast members saying I’m not getting on enough” and “50 years of wondering who’s gonna take over the show when Lorne retires.”

Sandler then highlighted the tenures of some of the cast members, getting a little emotional as he sang about Chris Farley and Norm Macdonald.

“50 years of the best times of our lives,” Sandler sang in conclusion.

Pete Davidson’s Chad Is ‘Okay’ as Laraine Newman Takes a Walk Down Memory LaneFebruary 16, 2025 09:53 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostPete Davidson’sman of few words, Chad, is back — and still doesn’t have much to say.Davidson reprised the character as iconic cast member Laraine Newman returned to Studio 8H to reflect on the early days ofSNL.While Newman explored the studio and got nostalgic, Chad didn’t offer truly any commentary — and nearly killed Newman when trying to find the spotlight.

Pete Davidson’s Chad Is ‘Okay’ as Laraine Newman Takes a Walk Down Memory Lane

February 16, 2025 09:53 PM EST

Pete Davidson’sman of few words, Chad, is back — and still doesn’t have much to say.

Davidson reprised the character as iconic cast member Laraine Newman returned to Studio 8H to reflect on the early days ofSNL.

While Newman explored the studio and got nostalgic, Chad didn’t offer truly any commentary — and nearly killed Newman when trying to find the spotlight.

Meryl Streep Is Kate McKinnon’s Alien Abductee’s Mom — and Everyone Breaks

February 16, 2025 09:51 PM EST

As is routine with Kate McKinnon’s alien abductee sketches, no one could keep a straight face throughout the entire questioning.

Read more here.

Bill Murray RanksWeekend Update’s Best Anchors

February 16, 2025 09:46 PM EST

Bill Murray.NBC

He then listed the other anchors “from worst to best,” with the ranking as follows:

Seth Meyers Brings Out Lorne Michaels’ Best Friends from Growing Up: Fred Armisen and Vanessa Bayer

February 16, 2025 09:42 PM EST

As usual, the pair had nothing but great things to say about their pal — or did they? After delivering platitudes, they both whispered some critiques, including that Michaels “can be a little rude” and loves name-dropping.

The Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started a Conversation with at a Party and Drunk Uncle will soon be proud parents.

“Typical Hollywood couple,” Moynihan’s Drunk Uncle explained, “Beautiful woman in her 30s, drunk idiot in her 70s.”

Michael Che and Colin Jost HostWeekend Updateand Honor Norm MacdonaldFebruary 16, 2025 09:42 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostMichael Che and Colin Jost,Weekend Update’s longest-running co-anchors, kicked off the 50th anniversary version of the segment.“SNLhas won 95 Emmys, one Grammy, three Peabodies and has over 100 Tonys on the crew,” Che joked. “Let’s actually take a moment to thank those hardworking crew guys. And also I’d like to congratulate them all on their Jan. 6 pardon.“Che also honored lateWeekend Updateanchor Norm Macdonald, calling him, “Obviously one of my heroes.”

Michael Che and Colin Jost HostWeekend Updateand Honor Norm Macdonald

Michael Che and Colin Jost,Weekend Update’s longest-running co-anchors, kicked off the 50th anniversary version of the segment.

“SNLhas won 95 Emmys, one Grammy, three Peabodies and has over 100 Tonys on the crew,” Che joked. “Let’s actually take a moment to thank those hardworking crew guys. And also I’d like to congratulate them all on their Jan. 6 pardon.”

Che also honored lateWeekend Updateanchor Norm Macdonald, calling him, “Obviously one of my heroes.”

Aubrey Plaza Introduces Miley Cyrus' Tribute to Sinéad O’Connor

February 16, 2025 09:18 PM EST

Aubrey Plazamade her first public appearancefollowing her husbandJeff Baena’s death on Jan. 3to introduce Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard’s tribute to Sinéad O’Connor duringSNL50.

Miley Cyrus.

O’Connor’s history withSNLis well-known: she was performing “War” during an October 1992 appearance as the show’s musical guest when she tore up a photo of Pope John Paul II. The act was controversial and reportedly earned her a ban from the series, though following her 2023 death, Lorne Michaels said he “admired” O’Connor’s “bravery.”

Andy Samberg and Bown Yang Play Musical Tribute toSNL’s AnxietyFebruary 16, 2025 09:10 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostAndy Samberg and Bowen Yang teamed up for anSNL50digital short, and paid tribute to some of the storied sketch series castmembers' key performance tool: anxiety.As Yang lamented his nerves about attending the anniversary special, Samberg reassured him through an ’80s-tinged pop song with the chorus, “Every single person who ever worked atSNLhad anxiety.“The accompanying video featured several former cast members, like Molly Shannon and Ana Gasteyer.

Andy Samberg and Bown Yang Play Musical Tribute toSNL’s Anxiety

February 16, 2025 09:10 PM EST

Andy Samberg and Bowen Yang teamed up for anSNL50digital short, and paid tribute to some of the storied sketch series castmembers' key performance tool: anxiety.

As Yang lamented his nerves about attending the anniversary special, Samberg reassured him through an ’80s-tinged pop song with the chorus, “Every single person who ever worked atSNLhad anxiety.”

The accompanying video featured several former cast members, like Molly Shannon and Ana Gasteyer.

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler Answer Questions from the Celebrity-Packed Audience

February 16, 2025 09:07 PM EST

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler helped the star-studded crowd atSNL50get some air-time, and get out their bestSNLquestions during the bit.

Julia Louis Dreyfus did a bit with her “service dog” — which she utilized to hit on Adam Driver — and Cher affirmed her self-confidence.

Most shockingly, Ryan Reynoldsseemed to poke fun at his and Blake Lively’s legal drama. “Ryan Reynolds, how’s it going?” Poehler and Fey asked.

In response, Reynolds quipped, " Great, why what have you heard?”

Ryan Reynolds.

Martin Short and Molly Shannon Make Out as Sabrina Carpenter Joins Latest Domingo Sketch

February 16, 2025 09:03 PM EST

Domingo is back— and he has brothers!

It’s been less than a year since Marcello Hernandez first appeared as Latin lover Domingo onSNL, but the character earned a spot in the 50th anniversary special.

This time, Kelsey and Matt were renewing their vows, with Molly Shannon as a drunken mother of the bride and Martin Short as Kelsey’s dad.

The pair did a little making out, before introducing Kelsey’s maid of honor: Sabrina Carpenter (her character “couldn’t make it to the wedding because I was unfortunately in prison”).

“She swears she’s gonna try monogamy,” sang Carpenter.

Unfortunately, the bridesmaids then switched to a version of “You Belong with Me” about Kelsey getting back with Domingo.

Luckily, Matt’s groomsmen were there to support him: Andy Samberg, Bowen Yang, Beck Bennett and Kyle Mooney sang their own version of “Espresso.”

Molly Shannon Gets Back in Costume as Sally O’Malley (and Does the Kicking and Stretching)

February 16, 2025 08:40 PM EST

“My name is Sally O’Malley, I’m proud to say I’m 50 years old, just likeSaturday Night Live,” Shannon said, wearing Sally’s signature red ensemble.

After doing some kicking and stretching together, Shannon and Stone introduced a compilation of hilarious and over-the-top physical stunts onSNL.

Eddie Murphy Plays Tracy Morgan — Next to Tracy Morgan — in ‘BlackJeopardy’ SketchFebruary 16, 2025 08:37 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostLeslie Jones couldn’t hold it together as Eddie Murphy portrayed Tracy Morgan alongside … Tracy Morgan … for another “BlackJeopardy” sketch.Jones, Morgan and Murphy all appeared as contestants on the fictional game show, with Keenan Thompson returning as host Darnell.At one point, Thompson remarked that Morgan’s character Darius looked like Murphy’s Morgan. The real Morgan quipped back, “I don’t see it.“TheJeopardycontestants received a special guest clue from Chris Rock, who asked them to identify a picture of Dana Carvey as the Church Lady.To answer, Murphy left the stage to make room for Tom Hanks as Doug, a character he played in a previous version of “BlackJeopardy.““I heard a fellow could win some money here,” said Hanks.

Eddie Murphy Plays Tracy Morgan — Next to Tracy Morgan — in ‘BlackJeopardy’ Sketch

February 16, 2025 08:37 PM EST

Leslie Jones couldn’t hold it together as Eddie Murphy portrayed Tracy Morgan alongside … Tracy Morgan … for another “BlackJeopardy” sketch.

Jones, Morgan and Murphy all appeared as contestants on the fictional game show, with Keenan Thompson returning as host Darnell.

At one point, Thompson remarked that Morgan’s character Darius looked like Murphy’s Morgan. The real Morgan quipped back, “I don’t see it.”

TheJeopardycontestants received a special guest clue from Chris Rock, who asked them to identify a picture of Dana Carvey as the Church Lady.

To answer, Murphy left the stage to make room for Tom Hanks as Doug, a character he played in a previous version of “BlackJeopardy.”

“I heard a fellow could win some money here,” said Hanks.

Kim Kardashian Appears Alongside Scarlett Johansson for Sketch with Kristen Wiig Reprising Dooneese Character

February 16, 2025 08:26 PM EST

Kim Kardashian and Scarlett Johanssonbecame part of the beloved Maharelle Sistersin the first sketch duringSNL’s 50th anniversary special.

The sketch, another edition ofThe Lawrence Welk Showspoofs that first debuted during a 2008 episode, kicked off with Fred Armisen back as Welk.

Will Ferrell returned as singer Robert Goulet, this time with the Maharelle Sisters providing him back-up vocals as he performed on Welk’s show.

A highlight of the sketch came when Dooneese played the drums on Kardashian’s character Holly’s buttox.

Steve Martin Delivers Opening Monologue forSNLSpecial — Jokes It’s ‘the Weakest Part of the Show’

February 16, 2025 08:18 PM EST

“Good evening and welcome to the 50th anniversary ofSaturday Night Live. I’m Steve Martin,Saturday Night Live’s newest diversity hire.”

Martin, a 16-time host of the sketch comedy series, had the honor of doing the anniversary special’s opening monologue — which he said Lorne Michaels only tapped him for “a few days ago.”

“SNLturned 50 years old this year and I turned 79, but I feel like I’m 65. Which is also not good,” joked Martin. “Seriously, I do not mind getting older. Do you think these hearing aids make my ass look smaller?”

Then, Martin added a “fun fact”: “A person born during the first season ofSNL, today, could be easily dead of natural causes.”

Martin called the opening monologue “traditionally, the weakest part of the show.” Said the actor, “Yet the monologue is like a rent-controlled tenant, it’s not going anywhere, even though it stinks.”

Sabrina Carpenter and Paul Simon Kick OffSNL’s 50th Anniversary SpecialFebruary 16, 2025 08:05 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostSabrina Carpenter and Paul Simon get the festivities started in Studio 8H with an acoustic, sentimental version of the latter’s Simon & Garfunkel song “Homeward Bound” on Sunday night.After introducing each other, Simon told the audience, “I sang this song with George Harrison onSaturday Night Livein 1976.“Joked Carpenter in response, “I was not born then, and neither were my parents.““I’m glad they’re getting a chance to hear it tonight,” Simon quipped back, before the pair launched into their duet.

Sabrina Carpenter and Paul Simon Kick OffSNL’s 50th Anniversary Special

February 16, 2025 08:05 PM EST

Sabrina Carpenter and Paul Simon get the festivities started in Studio 8H with an acoustic, sentimental version of the latter’s Simon & Garfunkel song “Homeward Bound” on Sunday night.

After introducing each other, Simon told the audience, “I sang this song with George Harrison onSaturday Night Livein 1976.”

Joked Carpenter in response, “I was not born then, and neither were my parents.”

“I’m glad they’re getting a chance to hear it tonight,” Simon quipped back, before the pair launched into their duet.

Kristen Wiig Reveals HerSNLCharacter That People Approach Her About the MostFebruary 16, 2025 07:58 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostKristen Wiigis back at Studio 8H, over a decade after leaving the show, but says she still gets approach about one of her most-iconicSNLcharacters.So which recurring character is it? “Maybe Target lady,” she said during the preshow livestream with Amelia Dimoldenberg.More often than not, though, when Wiig is approached, “People usually tell me I look like Kristen Wiig,” she said.

Kristen Wiig Reveals HerSNLCharacter That People Approach Her About the Most

February 16, 2025 07:58 PM EST

Kristen Wiigis back at Studio 8H, over a decade after leaving the show, but says she still gets approach about one of her most-iconicSNLcharacters.

So which recurring character is it? “Maybe Target lady,” she said during the preshow livestream with Amelia Dimoldenberg.

More often than not, though, when Wiig is approached, “People usually tell me I look like Kristen Wiig,” she said.

SNLCast Member Marcello Hernandez Brings His Mom for Anniversary Special

February 16, 2025 07:51 PM EST

While chatting with PEOPLE on the red carpet ahead of the three-hour special, Hernandez’s mom Isabel Cancela (who “loves PEOPLE” the actor says) calls the evening “incredible.”

“It’s so many talented people, and it’s fantastic,” says Cancela. “I’m really happy to be here, for me it’s like a dream come true.”

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds HitSNL50Red Carpet amid Ongoing Justin Baldoni Legal BattleFebruary 16, 2025 07:45 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostBlake Lively and husband Ryan Reynolds returned to the red carpet for Saturday Night Live’s big event, Feb. 16, amid their ongoing legal drama with herIt Ends with Usdirector and costar Justin Baldoni.The legal dispute between theIt Ends with Uscostars began in December 2024, when Livelyfiled a sexual harassment complaintagainst Baldoni, 41, accusing him of misconduct during the film’s production. She also alleged that Baldoni and his associatesengaged in a retaliatory smear campaigndesigned to “destroy” her reputation when she spoke up. Baldoni has denied all claims against him.In January, Baldoniresponded with a $400 million lawsuitagainst Lively, Reynolds, their publicist Leslie Sloane and Sloan’s PR firm alleging several claims, including civil extortion and defamation. The case,Lively v. Wayfarer Studios et al.,is scheduled to go to trial on March 9, 2026.Read more here.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds HitSNL50Red Carpet amid Ongoing Justin Baldoni Legal Battle

February 16, 2025 07:45 PM EST

Blake Lively and husband Ryan Reynolds returned to the red carpet for Saturday Night Live’s big event, Feb. 16, amid their ongoing legal drama with herIt Ends with Usdirector and costar Justin Baldoni.

The legal dispute between theIt Ends with Uscostars began in December 2024, when Livelyfiled a sexual harassment complaintagainst Baldoni, 41, accusing him of misconduct during the film’s production. She also alleged that Baldoni and his associatesengaged in a retaliatory smear campaigndesigned to “destroy” her reputation when she spoke up. Baldoni has denied all claims against him.

In January, Baldoniresponded with a $400 million lawsuitagainst Lively, Reynolds, their publicist Leslie Sloane and Sloan’s PR firm alleging several claims, including civil extortion and defamation. The case,Lively v. Wayfarer Studios et al.,is scheduled to go to trial on March 9, 2026.

Chris Rock Brings His Daughter toSNL50

February 16, 2025 07:36 PM EST

Chris Rock and his daughter Zahra Rock.NBC/Jamie McCarthy/NBC via Getty

NBC/Jamie McCarthy/NBC via Getty

Chris Rock had the perfect date for Sunday’sSNL50anniversary special: his daughter Zahra Rock.

Chrisis also dadto daughter Lola Rock, 22.

Pregnant Cecily Strong Returns toSNL3 Years After Departure

February 16, 2025 07:24 PM EST

Cecily Strong.NBC/Jamie McCarthy/NBC via Getty

Cecily Strong — who is expecting her first child with her fiancé, a man shehas only identified as Jack— posed on the red carpet at for the 50th anniversary special on Sunday.

Strong appeared on SNL from 2012 to 2022.

Tracy Morgan Says He’s Grateful He ‘Survived’ to Be ‘a Part of’SNL50February 16, 2025 07:16 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostTracy Morganis reflecting onthe scary 2014 accidentthat almost took his life as he revisits the show that gave him his start.“Lord, that I’m a part of this, that I survived that accident and I’m allowed to be here for this,” he said of participating in theSaturday Night Livespecial on Sunday during NBC’s preshow.Tracy Morgan.NBC/Jamie McCarthy/NBC via GettyMorgan was involved in anear-fatal accidenton the New Jersey Turnpike, when a Walmart truck crashed into his limousine from behind, and was in a coma for two weeks after the incident.The actor was a cast member onSNLfrom 1996–2003.

Tracy Morgan Says He’s Grateful He ‘Survived’ to Be ‘a Part of’SNL50

February 16, 2025 07:16 PM EST

Tracy Morganis reflecting onthe scary 2014 accidentthat almost took his life as he revisits the show that gave him his start.

“Lord, that I’m a part of this, that I survived that accident and I’m allowed to be here for this,” he said of participating in theSaturday Night Livespecial on Sunday during NBC’s preshow.

Tracy Morgan.NBC/Jamie McCarthy/NBC via Getty

Morgan was involved in anear-fatal accidenton the New Jersey Turnpike, when a Walmart truck crashed into his limousine from behind, and was in a coma for two weeks after the incident.

The actor was a cast member onSNLfrom 1996–2003.

Bad Bunny Thinks He Could ‘Definitely’ Be anSNLCast Member — Except for One ReasonFebruary 16, 2025 07:11 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostBad Bunny is following up his epic performances during the SNL50: The Homecoming Concert on Feb. 14 with an appearance at the anniversary special, Sunday. And though he’s hosted the sketch comedy series before, he’s not sure he’d want a full-time spot in the cast.“I don’t like to work Saturdays — that’s the reason,” Bad Bunny told Amelia Dimoldenberg during the preshow livestream onSNL’s Instagram. “But definitely, I could [be a cast member].”

Bad Bunny Thinks He Could ‘Definitely’ Be anSNLCast Member — Except for One Reason

February 16, 2025 07:11 PM EST

Bad Bunny is following up his epic performances during the SNL50: The Homecoming Concert on Feb. 14 with an appearance at the anniversary special, Sunday. And though he’s hosted the sketch comedy series before, he’s not sure he’d want a full-time spot in the cast.

“I don’t like to work Saturdays — that’s the reason,” Bad Bunny told Amelia Dimoldenberg during the preshow livestream onSNL’s Instagram. “But definitely, I could [be a cast member].”

Emma Stone Brings the Popcorn (Literally, It’s in Her Dress!) forSNLSpecialFebruary 16, 2025 07:03 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostEmma Stone and Dave McCary.NBC/Noam Galai/NBC via GettEmma Stone, a member ofSNL’s elite Five-Timers Club, hit theSNL50 red carpet alongside her husband Dave McCary (who used to work on the sketch comedy series) with popcorn in hand — literally.Stone, still rocking a very short pixie cut, had a box of popcorn with her as she posed with McCary on the carpet, but also was wearing a red gown with pockets seemingly stuffed to the brim with the snack.Read more here.

Emma Stone Brings the Popcorn (Literally, It’s in Her Dress!) forSNLSpecial

February 16, 2025 07:03 PM EST

Emma Stone and Dave McCary.NBC/Noam Galai/NBC via Gett

NBC/Noam Galai/NBC via Gett

Emma Stone, a member ofSNL’s elite Five-Timers Club, hit theSNL50 red carpet alongside her husband Dave McCary (who used to work on the sketch comedy series) with popcorn in hand — literally.

Stone, still rocking a very short pixie cut, had a box of popcorn with her as she posed with McCary on the carpet, but also was wearing a red gown with pockets seemingly stuffed to the brim with the snack.

PEOPLE Is on the Red Carpet in N.Y.C.February 16, 2025 06:51 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostPEOPLE is chatting with all theSNLstars of past and present as they arrive in Rockefeller Plaza for the 50th anniversary special. We have reporters on the carpet and inside the three-hour show.Who have we spotted so far?Saturday Night Liveicons Amy Poehler and Chris Rock, as well asAbbott Elementary’s Quinta Brunson andHamiltoncreator Lin-Manuel Miranda.

PEOPLE Is on the Red Carpet in N.Y.C.

February 16, 2025 06:51 PM EST

PEOPLE is chatting with all theSNLstars of past and present as they arrive in Rockefeller Plaza for the 50th anniversary special. We have reporters on the carpet and inside the three-hour show.

Who have we spotted so far?Saturday Night Liveicons Amy Poehler and Chris Rock, as well asAbbott Elementary’s Quinta Brunson andHamiltoncreator Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The Stars Are Already Arriving forSNL50February 16, 2025 06:03 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostTina Fey.NBC/Jamie McCarthy/NBC via GettyWhile theSNL50anniversary special, of course, promises plenty of laughs, the big celebration is also assured to be a Hollywood who’s who.Though the show doesn’t kick off for another two hours on Sunday, stars are already arriving to 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. Early red carpet walkers include Tina Fey, Peyton Manning and Garrett Morris.See all the stars arriving here.

The Stars Are Already Arriving forSNL50

February 16, 2025 06:03 PM EST

Tina Fey.NBC/Jamie McCarthy/NBC via Getty

While theSNL50anniversary special, of course, promises plenty of laughs, the big celebration is also assured to be a Hollywood who’s who.

Though the show doesn’t kick off for another two hours on Sunday, stars are already arriving to 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. Early red carpet walkers include Tina Fey, Peyton Manning and Garrett Morris.

See all the stars arriving here.

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source: people.com