The show was reportedly a massive undertaking; SNL production designer Keith Raywood has been working on the show for 40 of the show's 50 years, and said the studio was prepared for more than double the people it holds on a typical Saturday night.
The show was the cherry on top of a weekend of anniversary specials, including a three-hour “Homecoming Concert” at Radio City Music Hall on Friday and a rebroadcast of the show's first episode from October 11, 1975, and an Empire State Building lighting in honor of the show’s legendary run.
The mega show airing on NBC and Peacock also included appearance from former cast members Kristen Wiig, Ana Gasteyer, Tracy Morgan, Eddie Murphy, Will Ferrell and many others, with former hosts and other celebrities — including Kim Kardashian and Scarlett Johansson — joining sketches throughout the program.
Saturday Night Live kicked off its 50th anniversary special with a packed lineup of past performers and hosts, celebrity cameos and musical guests from the storied stage in Studio 8H at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City.
The concert included performances by Arcade Fire, Backstreet Boys, Bad Bunny, Bonnie Raitt, Cher, Chris Martin, Dave Grohl, David Byrne, Devo, Eddie Vedder, Jack White, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Robyn, Snoop Dogg, the B-52s and many others.
