Grab your concert tees, because Saturday Night Live’s milestone 50th season is almost here. NBC just released the first promo for Saturday’s premiere, which will be hosted by Hacks star Jean Smart—who’s fresh off her sixth Emmy Award win—and is set to feature country/rap artist Jelly Roll as the musical guest.
In the clip, Smart looks back on the iconic show’s legacy. “Here we are: SNL Season 50,” she says, her narration intercut with clips of memorable moments over the years. “50 years of hosts. 50 years of laughs. 50 years of memories. And now, it is my turn—”
Smart, clearly ready for her SNL close-up, then demands to know, “You’re not really gonna show a clip from every season, are you?” She chastises the production team for interrupting her dialogue, only to be cut off again and again as more clips of sketches, musical moments, and classic lines surface.
“Knock it off already, alright?! Geez, can we make this a little more about me?” the actress quips. Just as she starts to gather her thoughts, a cue card that reads “SNL, Jean Smart, Jelly Roll” takes over the screen. “Oh, come on!” she groans.
Earlier this month, SNL unveiled its hosts and musical guests through November 2. Nate Bargatze will host October 5 with Coldplay as the musical guest; Ariana Grande with Stevie Nicks on October 12; Michael Keaton with Billie Eilish on October 19; and John Mulaney and Chappell Roan on November 2.
The show has undergone a minor shakeup ahead of the upcoming season. Cast members Punkie Johnson, Molly Kearney, and Chloe Troast will not be returning, while Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline have been added as featured players. The writing staff has also been shuffled.
NBC will be celebrating the show’s landmark season with a “seven-month long party” that includes multiple new specials, five documentaries, and a three-hour SNL50 Primetime Special airing on February 16, 2025.
SNL Season 50 kicks off September 28th at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT.
