SNL Celebrates 50th Season: Jean Smart, Jelly Roll Headline \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ “Saturday Night Live” is launching its 50th season with Emmy-winning actress Jean Smart as host and country-rap artist Jelly Roll as the musical guest. The milestone season will feature returning cast members, including Maya Rudolph reprising her role as Kamala Harris. The season will culminate with a star-studded, three-hour anniversary special in February.
SNL’s 50th Season Kickoff: Quick Looks
- Jean Smart Hosts for the First Time: The Emmy-winning star of “Hacks” and “Designing Women,” Jean Smart, will host “Saturday Night Live” for the first time, fulfilling what she called a “bucket list” moment.
- Maya Rudolph’s Potential Return: Former cast member Maya Rudolph is rumored to return this season to reprise her role as Vice President Kamala Harris, potentially appearing in the cold open of the season premiere.
- Jelly Roll’s SNL Debut: The country singer and rapper Jelly Roll will make his SNL debut as the musical guest for the premiere episode.
- Lorne Michaels Remains at the Helm: Lorne Michaels, the show’s original creator, continues to produce the show, just as he did for its inaugural episode on October 11, 1975.
- Upcoming Hosts and Musical Guests: Upcoming hosts include Nate Bargatze, Ariana Grande, Michael Keaton, and John Mulaney, with musical acts like Coldplay, Stevie Nicks, Billie Eilish, and Chappell Roan.
- Special Anniversary Film Release: Jason Reitman’s newly released film “Saturday Night” reenacts and documents the show’s debut, highlighting its early days.
- Star-Studded Anniversary Special: The 50th season will culminate in a three-hour primetime special on February 16, expected to feature a wide range of legendary SNL alumni like Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, and Tina Fey.
- SNL’s Original Legacy: The first-ever SNL episode featured host George Carlin, musical guests Billy Preston and Janis Ian, and introduced the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players”—Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, among others.
Deep Look:
“Saturday Night Live” is all set to launch its landmark 50th season, beginning with Emmy-winning actress Jean Smart as the host and rising country-rap artist Jelly Roll as the musical guest. The milestone premiere will air live from Studio 8H, with fans eagerly anticipating a memorable start to this iconic season. This will be the first time Jean Smart takes on hosting duties for the long-running sketch comedy series, marking an exciting achievement in her four-decade career.
Jean Smart’s SNL Hosting Debut
Jean Smart, known for her standout roles in “Hacks” and “Designing Women,” will be stepping onto the SNL stage for the first time in her career. At 73, Smart recently won her sixth Emmy award, further solidifying her status as one of the most talented actors of her generation. On Instagram, she described her upcoming hosting stint as a “bucket list” achievement, showing her excitement about adding SNL to her illustrious career milestones. Smart’s hosting debut will be accompanied by musical guest Jelly Roll, the country and rap artist known for his heartfelt lyrics and cross-genre appeal. This will also be Jelly Roll’s first time on the show.
The pairing of Smart’s wit and Jelly Roll’s unique sound promises to deliver an exciting and diverse episode. Jelly Roll, whose music touches on themes of resilience and personal struggles, has been climbing the charts with hits that blend country, rock, and rap, and he will perform during the live broadcast, bringing his energetic presence to the SNL stage.
Maya Rudolph’s Possible Return
In addition to the excitement surrounding Jean Smart’s hosting debut, there is buzz about the return of former SNL cast member Maya Rudolph. Reports suggest that Rudolph will reprise her popular portrayal of Vice President Kamala Harris this season. If true, her appearance could feature prominently in the cold open, a part of the show that often addresses the political happenings of the moment. Rudolph previously won an Emmy for her portrayal of Harris and her comedic take on the vice president has been a fan favorite. However, if she returns this season, it will be her first time playing Harris as a presidential candidate, adding a fresh dynamic to her character.
Lorne Michaels Still Leading the Way
“Saturday Night Live” remains under the leadership of its original creator, Lorne Michaels. Michaels, who has been with the show since its debut on October 11, 1975, continues to guide SNL into its historic 50th season. The very first episode featured comedy legend George Carlin as host and musical performances by Billy Preston and Janis Ian, setting the standard for SNL’s format of combining humor with live music. In that premiere, viewers were also introduced to the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players,” including comedy legends like Chevy Chase, John Belushi, and Gilda Radner, all of whom contributed to SNL’s early legacy and influence.
Jason Reitman’s newly released film, “Saturday Night,” reenacts and documents that very first episode, offering audiences a nostalgic glimpse into the origins of the show. This documentary is part of a broader wave of celebration and reflection as the show reaches the cusp of its 50th anniversary.
Upcoming Hosts and Musical Guests
The upcoming season of SNL will feature a diverse array of hosts and musical guests. Notable upcoming hosts include comedian Nate Bargatze, pop sensation Ariana Grande, legendary actor Michael Keaton, and former SNL cast member John Mulaney, who has become a beloved returning figure on the show. These episodes will feature equally impressive musical acts, such as Coldplay, Stevie Nicks, Billie Eilish, and Chappell Roan, promising a dynamic lineup for the season.
The milestone 50th season will build up to a grand three-hour primetime special on February 16, celebrating SNL’s rich history and cultural impact. The special is expected to feature many of the stars who rose to fame through SNL, including comedy icons like Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Billy Crystal, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Robert Downey Jr., Mike Myers, Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Will Ferrell. The anniversary special aims to showcase the vast comedic talent that SNL has nurtured over the decades and its enduring influence on television and popular culture.
A Look Back at the Legacy
The original SNL cast, known as the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players,” set the tone for what has become one of television’s most beloved and longest-running shows. With names like Chevy Chase, John Belushi, and Gilda Radner, the show’s early years were marked by edgy, groundbreaking comedy. In the inaugural episode, George Carlin set the standard as the first host, while musical guests Billy Preston and Janis Ian played two songs each, a common practice in the early seasons.
In this new season, the musical format will be slightly different. Country-rap artist Jelly Roll will have the music slot all to himself, a big moment for the artist as he performs in front of a live audience and millions of viewers at home. This will be his SNL debut, just as it is for Jean Smart, adding a sense of new beginnings to this historic moment for the show.
Moving Forward with SNL
As SNL gears up for its 50th season, Lorne Michaels and his team continue to create content that balances fresh comedic voices with a nod to its storied past. The show’s ability to adapt to the times while remaining a consistent presence on Saturday nights is part of what has made SNL such a cultural touchstone for decades. With an exciting lineup of hosts, musical guests, and potential returning favorites like Maya Rudolph, fans of SNL have a lot to look forward to.
The 50th season aims to be both a celebration of what has come before and an exciting leap into what is yet to come. The upcoming three-hour anniversary special in February will serve as a tribute not only to the people who have graced its stage but also to the millions of viewers who have made “Saturday Night Live” a mainstay in the ever-changing landscape of television comedy.
From its humble beginnings in 1975 to its current status as an iconic platform for comedy, SNL continues to evolve, reflecting cultural shifts while influencing comedy trends worldwide. The 50th season is set to be a testament to its long-lasting legacy and a bright reminder that live comedy is very much alive and well.
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